In a notable moment during the IPL 2026 match between Lucknow Super Giants and Gujarat Titans, Digvesh Rathi celebrated the dismissal of Sai Sudharsan with a distinctive notebook gesture. This celebration comes after Rathi faced significant penalties in the previous season for his exuberant on-field antics.
Last year, Rathi was fined three times for his over-the-top celebrations, which included a 25 percent deduction from his match fees for his first offence, followed by a 50 percent fine for his second. His third infraction resulted in a one-match suspension, reflecting the league’s stance on maintaining decorum during matches.
Rathi accumulated a total of five demerit points last season, with the IPL rules stipulating that eight points lead to a two-match suspension and eleven points result in a three-match suspension. Despite these consequences, Rathi has expressed his intention to continue his unique style of celebration.
During the match, Rathi bowled a short long-hop delivery that successfully dismissed Sudharsan, leading to his notebook celebration. Once Avesh Khan took the catch to send Sudharsan back to the pavilion, Rathi was seen signing on the ground, marking the occasion in his signature style.
At just 26 years old, Rathi’s approach to the game has drawn both admiration and criticism. Observers noted that he has seemingly toned down his celebrations, possibly in response to the disciplinary actions he faced last season. “Rathi has taken note of how he was punished, which may explain the new, toned-down version of the notebook celebration,” commented a cricket analyst.
The incident underscores the ongoing tension between player expression and league regulations. Rathi’s antics, while entertaining for fans, have raised questions about the boundaries of acceptable behavior in professional sports.
As the season progresses, it remains to be seen how Rathi will balance his desire for self-expression with the potential repercussions of his actions. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any further disciplinary measures that may arise from his latest celebration.