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Digvesh Rathi of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) was given a 50% match fee fine and a one-match suspension for fighting with Abhishek Sharma of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on the field during their IPL 2025 match. Rathi has now violated the Code of Conduct three times this season, for which he will automatically be suspended after reaching the five-demerit point mark.
The drama unfolded in the eighth over of SRH's chase when Rathi dismissed Sharma. The LSG spinner celebrated aggressively, waving at the batter and making an entry in his infamous "notebook" gesture. The situation escalated as words were exchanged, requiring umpire Michael Gough to intervene. Sharma was also fined 25% of his match fee for his role in the confrontation.
April 1: 1 demerit point for excessive celebration against PBKS' Priyansh Arya
April 4: 2 demerit points for similar behavior versus MI's Naman Dhir
May 19: 2 more demerit points for the Sharma incident
Under Article 2.5 of the IPL Code of Conduct:
4 demerit points = 1 suspension point (1 match ban)
8 points = 2-game suspension
11 points = 3-game suspension
Points remain on record for 36 months, putting Rathi on thin ice for future seasons.
The suspension come at a worse time for LSG because:
Rathi is their leading wicket-taker with 14 scalps
Will miss crucial match against table-toppers Gujarat Titans
Available for final league game against RCB on May 27
Despite the heated exchange, Sharma and Rathi were seen sharing laughs post-match, with the duo shaking hands and joking around. In the end, SRH won by six wickets with 10 balls remaining.
Rathi's ban is providing, a harsh warning about to maintaining sportsmanship. The young spinner will need to control his celebrations to prevent longer bans in upcoming seasons because demerit points will remain in his record for three years. His absence against GT match is an immense challenge for LSG as they try to maintain their tournament chances.
Key Takeaways:
Rathi becomes first player suspended under IPL's Code of Conduct this season
He has already lost three times for his signature "notebook" celebration.
LSG's bowling attack weakened, which will have a detrimental effect on the crucial game against GT.
Incident highlights need for better player conduct in high-pressure situations
The disciplinary action underscores IPL's commitment to maintaining decorum on the field, even as competitive spirits run high during intense matches. Rathi's case may serve as a cautionary tale for other players who might let emotions get the better of them in crucial moments
