LUCKNOW: Twenty T20 leagues across the nation have emerged as prime venues for discovering young talent, with numerous players enhancing their skills to contribute effectively to their Indian Premier League teams.

For example, batter Sameer Rizvi was acquired by Chennai Super Kings for a substantial ₹8.4 crore during the auction in November, following his outstanding performance in the inaugural UP T20 League in 2023. Similarly, young spin bowling all-rounders Vipraj Nigam and Zeeshan Ansari have also made significant impacts with commendable performances for Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad, respectively, this season.

As the season progresses, many more talents from regional leagues are poised to make their mark. One notable newcomer from these T20 leagues is mystery spinner Digvesh Rathi, who first gained attention at the Delhi Premier League while playing for South Delhi Superstarz, where he took 14 wickets in 10 matches, ranking as the second highest wicket-taker among spinners.

Rathi, who was signed by LSG for ₹30 lakh in the mega auction late last year, has quickly become the new spin sensation for the Lucknow Super Giants. His impressive bowling figures of 4-0-21-1 (economy rate of 5.25) during a thrilling 12-run victory over the five-time champions Mumbai Indians on Friday night have endeared him to the team. Notably, none of the other LSG bowlers managed an economy rate below 10.00, highlighting the significance of Rathi’s performance.

However, his actions have also drawn attention. After being fined for gesturing towards the dugout following a dismissal against Punjab Kings, he repeated the act—pretending to write the batter's name in his notebook—after bowling out Naman Dhir against Mumbai Indians. This time, the BCCI imposed a fine of 50% of his match fee. It was unexpected that Rathi did not exercise restraint on this occasion, and fans will be keen to observe his conduct when LSG faces KKR on Tuesday.

Rathi, who was named Player of the Match against MI, remarked, “I fell in love with bowling after watching Sunil Narine.”

LSG’s Australian coach, Justin Langer, described Rathi as an exceptionally dedicated bowler. “If he had the opportunity, he would bowl for 16 hours a day. He likely practices in the hotel corridor, during breakfast, and even in the shower—he bowls everywhere,” Langer remarked.

“All great cricketers have a passion for practice, and Rathi is now reaping the rewards of his years of hard work. He has entered the big league, and his dedication is beginning to yield results. His work ethic regarding bowling is remarkable. Just the day before the last two matches, we gathered at the back of the B ground, and he bowled into my baseball mitt, constantly refining his skills.”

Rathi performed exceptionally well against MI, allowing only two runs in his third over and forcing Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Verma onto the defensive after dismissing Naman Dhir, who was scoring rapidly at 46 off 24 balls (4 fours, 3 sixes). His precision in controlling length was outstanding.

“He will continue to learn. Although he is still young in his career, he embodies the passion that all great spinners possess—he loves to bowl. His years of practice are now paying off as he competes at a higher level.”

Fans are eagerly anticipating LSG’s upcoming match against the defending champions, and Langer is keen to see how Rathi employs his mystery spin on another slow pitch at Eden Gardens. “It’s going to be fascinating. I’m excited to watch this, especially since Kolkata has two spinners, Narine and Varun Chakravarthy, whom he admires. Just observe how he runs in to bowl; he resembles Sunil Narine, doesn’t he?”

“He consistently brings something new to the game. He thinks deeply about strategies to dismiss the opposition, which I believe is a key reason for his promising future,” Langer added.

LSG all-rounder Shardul Thakur praised Rathi, emphasizing the importance of such personalities in the sport. “He is an outstanding bowler and has a unique character. We need players like him in the game—individuals who are willing to step up for the team and are unafraid to take risks.”

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