Digvesh Rathi, a promising spinner for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), has emerged as a key player this season, demonstrating his skills against some of the most renowned figures in international cricket. However, the 25-year-old has faced disciplinary action, having been fined twice for his 'notebook celebration,' which has also resulted in the addition of two demerit points to his record. As the team prepares for their upcoming match against the reigning champions, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), in IPL 2025, Rathi has finally shared the inspiration behind his celebration.

Following a victory over the Mumbai Indians in Lucknow, Rathi expressed his admiration for Sunil Narine, his idol. Consequently, it was fitting that LSG captain Rishabh Pant facilitated a meeting between Rathi and Narine during a training session at Eden Gardens on Sunday.

During this encounter, Rishabh Pant and Nicholas Pooran playfully teased the young spinner. When Pant introduced Rathi to Narine, Pooran quipped, "So tell me something. He doesn't celebrate. Why do you celebrate?"

In response, Rathi succinctly replied, “I'm from Delhi,” eliciting laughter from Sunil Narine, Pooran, and Rishabh Pant.

Rishabh Pant then humorously remarked, "He's (Rathi) a ticket collector. He's (Narine) a wicket collector. He is writing the cheques."

The official X account of Kolkata Knight Riders shared a video of this interaction, captioned, “POV: Finally you met your idol.”

Rathi fined 50 per cent of his match fees

Previously, the BCCI imposed a fine of 50 percent of Digvesh Rathi's match fees after the young player declined to learn from his previous errors. "This marks his second Level 1 violation under Article 2.5 this season, resulting in the accumulation of two Demerit Points, in addition to the one Demerit Point he received during LSG’s match against Punjab Kings on April 1, 2025," stated the BCCI in an official announcement.

In his first offence, Rathi was fined 25 percent of his match fees for a Level 1 breach.

During the match against Punjab Kings, Rathi celebrated by performing the notebook gesture after taking the wicket of Priyansh Arya. This celebration was popularized by West Indies fast bowler Kesrick Williams.

The initial fine did not dissuade Rathi, as he continued to celebrate exuberantly after dismissing Naman Dhir of the Mumbai Indians.

So far in the ongoing IPL 2025 season, Rathi has claimed six wickets with an economy rate of 7.62.

The Lucknow Super Giants are scheduled to face KKR at Eden Gardens on Tuesday, April 8. This match was originally planned for April 6 but was postponed at the request of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB).

Read Also: Rishabh Pant Fulfills LSG Youngster’s Dream with Special Meeting

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