Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) leg-spinner Digvesh Singh Rathi has been suspended for one match and fined 50% of his match fee following a fiery on-field exchange with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) all-rounder Abhishek Sharma during SRH’s six-wicket win at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.
The incident occurred after Abhishek, who smashed a quickfire fifty, was dismissed and subjected to an animated send-off by Digvesh. The SRH batter, seemingly incensed by the gesture, turned back and exchanged sharp words with the bowler. On-field officials and LSG teammates quickly intervened to separate the two players.
The IPL released a statement on Tuesday morning confirming the sanctions:
“Digvesh Singh, Bowler, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) has been fined 50 per cent of his match fees for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct.”
This marks the third disciplinary breach for Digvesh this season under Level 1 offence, Article 2.5, which deals with inappropriate send-offs and player conduct. He previously accumulated three demerit points — one against Punjab Kings on April 1 and two against Mumbai Indians on April 4. With two additional points from this incident, his total now stands at five, triggering an automatic one-match suspension.
The 25-year-old from Delhi, in his debut IPL season, has already drawn attention — and fines — for his signature “notebook celebration,” which has also attracted criticism and disciplinary action.
As a result, Digvesh will miss LSG’s upcoming fixture against Gujarat Titans on Thursday in Ahmedabad.
Abhishek Sharma, too, faced repercussions for his role in the confrontation. The 24-year-old was fined 25% of his match fee and handed one demerit point for committing a Level 1 offence under Article 2.6, which pertains to inappropriate reactions or gestures during matches.
Despite the incident, cooler heads have since prevailed. Abhishek confirmed that the two players have spoken privately and resolved the matter.
With stakes high in the business end of IPL 2025, the league has sent a clear message: discipline and sportsmanship remain non-negotiable, regardless of on-field intensity.
