Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) pacer Digvesh Rathi found himself at the center of controversy after an intense send-off celebration during the IPL 2025 clash against Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Ekana Stadium, Lucknow. His Kesrick Williams-style notebook celebration upon dismissing PBKS opener Priyash Arya did not sit well with the on-field umpires and cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar.
Rathi’s Send-Off Celebration Draws Umpire’s Attention
The incident took place in the third over of Punjab’s innings as they chased a 172-run target. Rathi bowled a short-pitched delivery outside off, prompting Arya, his former teammate in the Delhi Premier League, to attempt a pull shot. Lacking proper footwork, Arya mistimed the shot, resulting in an easy catch at mid-on by Shardul Thakur.
As Arya walked back to the pavilion, Rathi ran up to him and performed the iconic “notebook celebration,” made famous by West Indies pacer Kesrick Williams. The on-field umpire immediately intervened, engaging in a prolonged discussion with Rathi before allowing the game to proceed.
Sunil Gavaskar Disapproves of the Celebration
During live commentary, Sunil Gavaskar expressed his disapproval of the bowler’s actions, stating:
“I can understand celebrating if you’ve been hit for a boundary or six and then get a wicket. But if you bowl five dot balls and dismiss the batter on the sixth, and then show off like this, it suggests you never expected to get a wicket.”
A fellow commentator reminded Gavaskar of a similar incident involving Kesrick Williams and Virat Kohli in 2017, to which Gavaskar responded humorously, saying:
“We all remember what Kohli did next—boundary after boundary after boundary.”
Potential IPL Code of Conduct Violation
Following the incident, Rathi may face disciplinary action under the IPL Code of Conduct. The match referee is expected to review the case and determine whether further action is necessary.
With the IPL 2025 season heating up, such on-field moments continue to spark discussions about the balance between aggression, sportsmanship, and entertainment in cricket.