Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are gearing up to face off against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for their upcoming IPL 2025 match, now scheduled for Tuesday at the iconic Eden Gardens. The match was initially set for Sunday but was postponed due to Ram Navami celebrations in Kolkata.
Both teams have had a middling performance this season, with identical records of two wins from four matches.
Among the LSG players, young spinner Digvesh Singh Rathi has been a standout performer.
At 25, Rathi has made a significant impact in his debut IPL season, claiming six wickets with his impressive bowling. Aside from his prowess with the ball, Rathi has garnered attention for his controversial wicket celebrations.
After being named Player of the Match against Mumbai Indians, Rathi expressed his admiration for KKR’s celebrated spinner, Sunil Narine. This admiration turned into reality recently when he got the opportunity to meet Narine in person.
A video shared by KKR on X (formerly Twitter) captured the moment, with Nicholas Pooran playfully noting Rathi’s admiration to Narine and questioning Rathi on why he celebrates when Narine does not.
Rathi humorously replied, "I'm from Delhi," eliciting laughter from Narine and others present.
Rathi's exuberant celebrations have not gone unnoticed by the officials. He has been fined twice by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for breaching the IPL's Level-1 code of conduct. Notable incidents include a "notebook" gesture following a dismissal in the match against Punjab Kings and a similar celebration during the game against Mumbai Indians, where he once again earned the Player of the Match accolade.
These actions have cost him 50 percent of his match fees on both occasions.
According to a BCCI release, "This was his second Level 1 offence under Article 2.5 this season, and hence, he has accumulated Two Demerit Points, in addition to One Demerit Point which he accumulated during LSG's match against Punjab Kings on April 01, 2025."
LSG fans will be keen to see if Rathi continues to balance his fiery spirit on the field with his performances as they look to improve their standing in the tournament.