LSG's Digvesh Rathi Fined Again for Controversial Celebration; Pant Penalized

Repeated Offence: Digvesh Rathi was fined twice in IPL 2025 for breaching Article 2.5 of the IPL Code of Conduct, relating to actions or gestures towards a dismissed batter that could provoke an aggressive reaction or be seen as disparaging.

The Celebration: Rathi employed a 'notebook' celebration, mimicking writing something down after dismissing batters Priyansh Arya (Punjab Kings) on April 1st and Naman Dhir (Mumbai Indians) on April 5th. He repeated a similar gesture against KKR's Sunil Narine on April 8th.

Escalating Penalties: He received a 25% match fee fine and one demerit point for the first offence, and a heftier 50% match fee fine (reportedly the largest of IPL 2025 so far) and two demerit points for the second.

Suspension Risk: Rathi now has three demerit points. Accumulating four within a 36-month period results in a one-match suspension.

Captain Penalized: LSG Captain Rishabh Pant was also fined ₹12 lakh for the team maintaining a slow over-rate during their match against Mumbai Indians on April 5th.

Why this matters: Repeated breaches of conduct reflect poorly on player discipline and the team's image. Accumulating demerit points puts Rathi at risk of missing crucial matches, impacting team strategy. Pant's fine highlights the persistent issue of slow over-rates in the tournament.

Digvesh Rathi: Directly faces financial penalties and the imminent risk of a one-match ban if he accumulates another demerit point soon. His focus might be diverted from his performance.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG): Team discipline and image are affected. Potential suspension of a key bowler impacts team composition and strategy. The captain's fine adds a financial penalty.

IPL Officials: Reinforces the need to consistently enforce the Code of Conduct regarding player celebrations and game timeliness (over-rates).

Understand the Code: Players, especially newcomers, must fully understand the IPL Code of Conduct, particularly rules around gestures and potential provocations (like Article 2.5).

Celebrate Responsibly: Expressing joy is part of the game, but celebrations should not demean opponents or risk penalties.

Heed Official Warnings: Penalties escalate for repeated offences. Players must learn from initial warnings and fines.

Manage Over-Rates: Captains and teams need strategies to maintain the required over-rate to avoid fines and potential suspensions for repeated offences.

Q: What is Digvesh Rathi's controversial celebration?

A: Rathi mimics writing in a notebook after taking a wicket, a gesture deemed potentially provocative or disparaging towards the dismissed batter under IPL rules.

Q: Why was Rathi fined twice?

A: He repeated the celebration despite being fined for the first instance, violating Article 2.5 of the IPL Code of Conduct which prohibits gestures that could provoke or demean a dismissed batter.

Q: What are demerit points in IPL?

A: Demerit points are issued for Code of Conduct breaches. Accumulating four points within 36 months triggers an automatic one-match suspension. Rathi currently has three points.

Q: Why was Rishabh Pant fined?

A: Pant, as LSG captain, was fined ₹12 lakh because his team failed to maintain the required minimum over-rate during their match against Mumbai Indians.

Player conduct is strictly regulated in professional leagues like the IPL, with specific rules against provocative actions.

Repeated offences lead to significantly harsher penalties, including substantial fines and potential match suspensions.

Maintaining game pace is crucial, with captains held responsible for slow over-rates, leading to team fines.

Even talented breakout players must adhere to the sport's code of conduct.

Source 1: NDTV Sports - LSG Star Digvesh Rathi, Fined By BCCI, Repeats Controversial Celebration Once Again - Video target="_blank"

Source 2: ESPNcricinfo - Rathi's 'notebook' celebration earns him another fine and two demerit points target="_blank"

Source 3: Crickit (Hindustan Times) - BCCI imposes heftiest fine of IPL 2025 on LSG's Digvesh Singh Rathi for repeated offence; Rishabh Pant punished too target="_blank"