Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) spinner Digvesh Rathi faces a one-match suspension after breaching the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) Code of Conduct for the third time this season. This incident occurred during LSG’s home game against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), resulting in Rathi forfeiting 50% of his match fee.
The clash unfolded in the eighth over of SRH’s chase, following Rathi’s dismissal of Abhishek Sharma. The LSG spinner made a “notebook” gesture and exchanged heated words with Abhishek, prompting intervention from umpire Michael Gough. The accumulated five demerit points led to Rathi’s suspension, causing him to miss LSG’s next match against Gujarat Titans (GT) on Thursday.
Rathi’s infractions fall under Article 2.5 of the IPL Code of Conduct, which addresses inappropriate language, actions, or gestures that may incite an aggressive response from a dismissed batter. The Code states that four demerit points equal one suspension point, with penalties escalating for further offenses.
Earlier in the season, Rathi received one demerit point for his conduct during an encounter with Punjab Kings’ Priyansh Arya and two points for a similar incident against Mumbai Indians’ Naman Dhir. Both occasions involved his signature “notebook” send-off.
Rathi is required to tread carefully, as his demerit points remain on record for 36 months. An accumulation of eight points would incur a two-match suspension, while eleven points would result in a three-game ban. Rathi admitted to misunderstanding the reason for his initial penalty and believed he was sanctioned for charging towards the batter.
As for Abhishek Sharma, he was fined 25% of his match fee for his involvement in the altercation, marking his first infraction of the season. Despite the on-field tension, the players displayed camaraderie afterwards, shaking hands and sharing light-hearted moments, as SRH secured victory by six wickets with ten balls remaining.
Rathi’s absence could be a setback for LSG, as he has been a standout performer with 14 wickets in a challenging season for the team’s bowlers. His return is anticipated for LSG’s final league game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on May 27.
