Former cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra has sparked a heated debate over the apparent double standards in disciplinary actions in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Chopra expressed his disappointment over Virat Kohli’s aggressive celebration against Punjab Kings going unpunished, while young LSG spinner Digvesh Rathi was fined for his “notebook” celebration earlier in the tournament.
Aakash Chopra Slams Inconsistent Treatment
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra did not mince words when highlighting what he termed preferential treatment. He said:
“We saw Virat Kohli’s celebration at the end of the PBKS-RCB match, that was also pure aggression. However, no one said anything to him. There is not even a rap on the knuckles. Nobody has pulled him up for that, but you did that when Digvesh Rathi did a ‘notebook’ celebration.”
Comparison to MS Dhoni’s 2019 Incident
Chopra took the argument further by referencing MS Dhoni’s 2019 incident, where the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper was fined 50% of his match fee for entering the field of play to argue with umpires during a last-over controversy.
“I recall MS Dhoni was once fined 50 percent of his match fee because he entered the ground. He shouldn’t have gone at all… there was some action. However, it hasn’t happened in Virat Kohli’s case.”
Digvesh Rathi’s Notebook Celebration Incident
The “notebook celebration” from Digvesh Rathi had previously grabbed attention during LSG’s win, but it also led to a monetary fine for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct, which Chopra suggests is a glaring example of inconsistency.
What’s the Debate?
The criticism raised by Chopra taps into a longstanding concern about whether top stars like Kohli receive leniency, while younger or lesser-known players are dealt with more harshly for similar, or even lesser, acts.
Kohli’s celebratory behavior — particularly the animated scream and clenched fists toward the Punjab Kings camp — may have sparked excitement among fans, but it has clearly rubbed some former players the wrong way.
Next Fixture for RCB
Virat Kohli and Royal Challengers Bengaluru are now gearing up to face the Rajasthan Royals on April 24 in what promises to be a high-octane IPL 2025 clash at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. All eyes will be on Kohli — not just for his batting, but also his on-field demeanor.
Key Takeaways:
- Aakash Chopra questions why Virat Kohli wasn’t fined for aggressive celebration.
- Points to Digvesh Rathi’s notebook celebration fine and MS Dhoni’s 2019 incident to highlight the contrast.
- Sparks a broader conversation about fairness and consistency in the IPL’s disciplinary process.
📢 Do you think Kohli should have been penalized? Or is this just passion on the field?
