NEW DELHI: Lucknow Super Giants spinner Digvesh Rathi was back in the spotlight on Friday—not just for his on-field performance, but for yet another controversial send-off celebration after dismissing Mumbai Indians batter Naman Dhir at the Ekana Cricket Stadium.
In the ninth over of MI’s chase of 204, Rathi clean bowled a dangerous-looking Dhir, who had already smashed 46 off just 24 balls. However, it was Rathi’s reaction that stole the attention. He delivered a fiery send-off, eerily similar to the one that got him fined in LSG’s previous clash against Punjab Kings. In that match, he was docked 25% of his match fees and given one demerit point by the IPL.
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Despite the prior sanction, Rathi showed no signs of dialing it down. He repeated his now-infamous “paper celebration” as Dhir made his way back to the pavilion—an act that quickly went viral and ignited fresh debate among fans and pundits alike.
The earlier IPL statement had cited a Level 1 breach under Article 2.5, which pertains to “using language, actions or gestures which disparage or could provoke an aggressive reaction.” Rathi had accepted the punishment then—but Friday’s repeat offense signals he has no plans of abandoning his trademark aggression.
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With back-to-back send-offs in two consecutive matches, the spotlight now turns to the match referee and league officials, as repeated breaches could prompt stricter disciplinary measures moving forward.
