By Digvesh once again found himself in the spotlight on Tuesday after running out Jitesh Sharma at the non-striker’s end for backing up too far. The incident reignited the ongoing debate over the spirit of the game. Reacting to the controversy, former cricketer Virender Sehwag delivered a sharp verdict, pointing out that players like MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli were never penalized for similar situations, highlighting what he views as inconsistent standards.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) spinner Digvesh Rathi has emerged as one of the notable breakout stars of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. With consistent performances and a fierce competitive edge, Rathi has carved out a place for himself in LSG’s bowling lineup. However, while his on-field exploits have earned him praise, his conduct and post-wicket celebrations have sparked controversy, drawing the attention of both match officials and former cricketers alike.
Rathi’s signature “notebook” celebration, which involves an exaggerated writing gesture after dismissing a batter, has already earned him repeated warnings from the IPL’s code of conduct committee. Matters escalated when he was handed a one-match suspension for an aggressive send-off directed at Sunrisers Hyderabad batter Abhishek Sharma. While Rathi has been disciplined, the decision has divided opinion across the cricketing community.
Among the most vocal critics of the punishment has been former India opener and current commentator Virender Sehwag. Speaking on Cricbuzz, Sehwag suggested that the penalties imposed on the young spinner were disproportionately severe, especially considering his rookie status in the tournament.
“I thought the ban was a bit harsh,” Sehwag said. “The boy is playing in his first year in the IPL. MS Dhoni had barged into the ground in the past and wasn’t banned. Virat Kohli has spoken to umpires in that tone many times, yet he too was never banned. So Digvesh Rathi could have been spared. He is a young player, just coming into the scene — it could have been handled with a warning rather than a suspension.”
The conversation surrounding Rathi’s temperament intensified again on Tuesday, when the spinner was involved in another contentious moment during LSG’s clash with Punjab Kings. Rathi attempted a run-out at the non-striker’s end, targeting Jitesh Sharma, who was backing up prematurely. The appeal, though within the rules of the game, was met with mixed reactions from fans and analysts. Ultimately, LSG captain Rishabh Pant chose to withdraw the appeal, and the umpire declared Jitesh not out.
This incident reignited the ever-present debate about the “spirit of cricket” — a term often used to define conduct that aligns with the game’s traditional values of fairness and sportsmanship. While Rathi’s appeal was legal under the laws of the game, many questioned whether it was in line with cricket’s unwritten ethical standards.
Rishabh Pant received widespread praise for his decision to withdraw the appeal, with many viewing it as an effort to uphold the spirit of the game. Cricket pundit Harsha Bhogle, however, expressed concern that the incident was once again used to stir unnecessary controversy.
“Why is it that every time a bowler uses a legal method to dismiss a non-striker backing up, we start talking about the ‘spirit of cricket’?” Bhogle remarked. “If the laws of the game allow it, why are we judging intent more than action?”Digvesh Rathi impressed in IPL 2025 but drew criticism for celebrations and controversial ‘spirit of cricket’ incidents.
While Digvesh Rathi continues to make headlines for both his performances and his fiery on-field character, his journey highlights the fine line young players must walk between passion and discipline — especially under the scrutiny of IPL’s massive audience and media glare.
