Key Highlights:
As the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) gear up for their highly-anticipated IPL 2025 fixture against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), disciplinary actions taken following their previous match have come into sharp focus. Rising mystery spinner Digvesh Rathi and skipper Rishabh Pant have both been penalised following LSG’s 12-run victory over Mumbai Indians (MI) on Friday in Lucknow.
Rathi Fined for Notebook Celebration – Second Offense in IPL 2025
Digvesh Rathi, the 25-year-old spinner from Delhi, was slapped with a 50% match fee fine and two demerit points for his on-field celebration after dismissing Naman Dhir. Rathi celebrated the wicket with a theatrical “writing in the notebook” gesture—an act the match officials deemed unsporting under Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct.
This marks Rathi’s second offense in the ongoing season. Earlier, on April 1, he was fined 25% of his match fee and given one demerit point for a similar celebration against Priyansh Arya. That incident also involved body contact, compounding the infraction. On Friday, despite maintaining physical distance from the batter, the symbolic nature of the celebration still triggered disciplinary action due to its repetitive nature.
Understanding the IPL Code of Conduct for Player Behavior
According to the IPL’s implementation of the ICC Code of Conduct, accumulation of four demerit points within a 36-month period leads to one suspension point, which results in an automatic one-match ban.
As Rathi now sits on three demerit points, another offense in this or future seasons could force him to miss a crucial match. Match officials are believed to have clearly communicated the rules to the debutant after his first offense. However, Rathi reportedly believed that his earlier sanction was due to physical aggression, and thus did not expect a penalty for a more restrained gesture.
Rathi’s Stellar Performance Overshadowed
Ironically, the reprimand came on what was arguably Rathi’s best performance of the season. On a night when every other LSG bowler went for 10+ runs an over, Rathi’s spell stood out. He finished with figures of 1 for 21 in four overs, maintaining an economy rate of just 5.25, and was deservedly named the Player of the Match.
His spell played a vital role in derailing Mumbai Indians’ chase of LSG’s 203 for 8, as MI faltered in the death overs.
Rishabh Pant Joins the List of Fined Captains for Slow Over Rate
Meanwhile, LSG captain Rishabh Pant was fined INR 12 lakh for his team’s slow over rate, becoming the third captain in IPL 2025 to be penalised under this rule. Before Pant, both Hardik Pandya (MI) and Riyan Parag (RR) faced similar penalties.
Pant’s fine was an automatic sanction under the IPL’s over-rate regulations, which aim to ensure timely completion of matches. The rule applies when a team fails to bowl their allotted 20 overs within the prescribed time despite allowances made for stoppages and reviews.
Pant’s Batting Form Raises Concerns
In addition to the over-rate issue, Pant’s form with the bat continues to raise eyebrows. The left-hander scored just 2 runs off 6 deliveries in the win over MI, following earlier scores of 17, 5, and 8. The team management will be hoping for a turnaround ahead of the high-stakes clash against Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
What This Means for the Upcoming LSG vs CSK Match
With these disciplinary developments looming, LSG’s camp enters the upcoming fixture against CSK under extra scrutiny. While Rathi remains eligible to play, another Code of Conduct breach could see him facing a mandatory suspension—a risk the team cannot afford given his form.
As for Rishabh Pant, beyond leadership duties, the need for a return to form with the bat is becoming increasingly urgent, especially with key fixtures piling up.
The LSG vs CSK match will also serve as a litmus test for Lucknow’s bowling unit, especially after the standout performance by Rathi. The spotlight will undoubtedly be on the young spinner to see whether he tempers his celebrations without compromising his fire on the field.
IPL 2025 Points Table Update
Following their win over MI, Lucknow Super Giants have climbed up the IPL 2025 points table, while Mumbai Indians continue to struggle. CSK, meanwhile, have been in solid form this season and will aim to capitalize on any disciplinary or tactical errors LSG might carry into the next game.
What’s Next for Rathi?
Now with three demerit points, Digvesh Rathi finds himself walking a disciplinary tightrope. Given his impactful performances, LSG will need him to balance aggression with restraint. How he handles the pressure—and whether he refrains from controversial celebrations—will be key not only to LSG’s season but also to his longevity in the IPL.
FAQs
Q1. Why was Digvesh Rathi fined?
Rathi was fined 50% of his match fee for a repeat offense of unsporting on-field behavior under Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct.
Q2. What does a demerit point mean in IPL?
Four demerit points within 36 months equal one suspension point, leading to a one-match ban.
Q3. Will Rathi be suspended?
No. He has three demerit points. One more will trigger an automatic one-match suspension.
Q4. Why was Rishabh Pant fined?
Pant was fined INR 12 lakh for his team’s slow over-rate during the match against MI.
Q5. When is the next match for LSG?
LSG will face CSK in their next IPL 2025 fixture, a key clash in the tournament.
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