LSG’s Digvesh Singh Rathi Fined for Controversial ‘Letter-Writing’ Celebration After Arya Dismissal

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) spinner Digvesh Singh Rathi has been fined 25 percent of his match fees and handed a demerit point by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for an unusual and controversial celebration during his side’s clash against Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on Tuesday.

Rathi, who claimed two wickets in the match, was penalized for “breaching the IPL Code of Conduct” after his ‘letter-writing’ gesture following the dismissal of PBKS batter Priyansh Arya. The incident occurred on the penultimate ball of the third over during Punjab’s chase of 172.

According to an IPL media release, “Digvesh Singh admitted to the Level 1 offence under Article 2.5 and accepted the Match Referee’s sanction.” For Level 1 breaches, the Match Referee’s decision is final and binding.

The leg-spinner, after Arya top-edged a short and wide delivery to be caught by Shardul Thakur, mimicked writing a letter — a move seemingly aimed at Arya, with whom he shares a history from the Delhi T20 League. 

The on-field umpires intervened, having noted the directed gesture, which quickly drew comparisons to West Indies pacer Kesrick Williams’ ‘notebook’ celebration — infamously used during a heated exchange with Indian star Virat Kohli in 2019.

Commentators and former Indian cricketers Sunil Gavaskar and Mohammed Kaif were unimpressed. Gavaskar, while on air, criticized the gesture, stating, “There’s a fine line between celebrating and disrespecting your opponent. That was unnecessary.” Kaif echoed the sentiment, urging young players to “let their skills do the talking.”

Despite Rathi’s 2 for 30 in his four overs, LSG’s bowling attack crumbled as PBKS chased down the target with ease, winning by eight wickets in just 16.2 overs. The defeat leaves LSG searching for momentum early in the tournament.

PBKS’s dominant win pushed them to second in the IPL 2025 standings, tied on points with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Delhi Capitals (DC), each securing two wins from their opening two matches.

As the tournament progresses, Rathi’s celebration serves as a reminder of the thin line between showmanship and sportsmanship in the modern game — a lesson he’s learned the hard way.