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In a tournament filled with global icons and established Indian names, Digvesh Rathi has carved out his identity not only through his leg-spin wizardry but also for his feisty on-field presence. The 25-year-old cricketer from Delhi burst into national prominence during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 after delivering back-to-back match-winning performances for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
The notebook celebration that sparked controversy and fines
What made Digvesh a trending name across social media was not just his bowling but his bold, flamboyant send-off celebrations. In an IPL 2025 match between LSG and Punjab Kings (PBKS), after dismissing Priyansh Arya, Digvesh pulled off a “notebook sendoff” – a move popularized by West Indies pacer Kesrick Williams.
The gesture, mimicking writing down a name in a notebook, instantly went viral but drew criticism from the IPL governing body, leading to a 25% fine on his match fees. Surprisingly, in the very next match against Mumbai Indians (MI), he doubled down on the celebration after dismissing Naman Dhir, showing no signs of remorse. This time, he was fined 50% of his match fee and slapped with two demerit points. While critics questioned his sportsmanship, many admired his unapologetic swagger and individuality in a format that thrives on personality.
Lesser know facts about Digvesh Rathi
1. Born in Delhi with a quiet determination to make it big
Digvesh was born on 15 December 1999 in Delhi, a city known for its deep cricketing culture and intense domestic competition. While Delhi has produced several national and international players, Digvesh’s story stands out because of his low-key rise – no early fame, no elite academy tag, just sheer grit and silent persistence. His zodiac sign, Sagittarius, often associated with adventure and fearlessness, resonates with his approach on the field. Unlike many who chase early attention, he let his performance speak, gradually climbing the ranks with patience and consistency.
2. Professional journey started in 2017 with a hunger to learn
Rathi began his professional cricket journey in 2017, marking the beginning of a long, disciplined path toward his dream. Starting out in local league cricket, he didn’t immediately grab headlines, but his understanding of the game and disciplined bowling made him a dependable performer. He was known for staying after practice to work on his variations and regularly studied videos of other spinners to improve his craft. This phase was more about development than stardom — he quietly built his game, one match at a time. He embraced setbacks, often using them as motivation to train harder, which eventually laid the groundwork for his later breakthroughs in competitive tournaments.
3. From KKR net bowler to Delhi Premier League breakout star
Before his IPL debut, Digvesh Rathi had a crucial stint as a net bowler with the Kolkata Knight Riders. It was during this time that he got to observe some of the world’s best players up close and test his bowling against international talent. But it wasn’t until the Delhi Premier League (DPL) 2024 that he truly caught the eye of scouts and selectors. Representing South Delhi Superstarz, he emerged as one of the most reliable bowlers in the tournament, taking 14 wickets in 10 matches at an impressive economy rate of 7.83. His ability to bowl economically and pick up timely wickets made him a standout performer. More than the numbers, what impressed everyone was his ability to stay composed under pressure and read the batters well.
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4. Made his domestic debut just before IPL and seized the moment
Digvesh’s consistent performance in the DPL earned him a long-awaited domestic debut for Delhi in the 2024 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Making his senior debut so close to the IPL auction was a critical turning point, and he didn’t disappoint. He showcased his ability to adapt quickly, playing against tougher opposition with confidence. His spells were not only effective but tactically smart — varying pace, using the crease, and showing excellent control. This performance came at just the right time, helping him gain attention from IPL franchises. In the IPL 2025 mega auction, the Lucknow secured his services for INR 30 lakhs – a moment that validated years of hard work and discipline.
5. Selective social media use reflects his grounded personality
Despite becoming a known name in IPL 2025, Digvesh maintains an extremely minimal presence on social media, especially on Instagram. He follows just 10 people – including close friends, teammates like Ayush Badoni, and personalities such as Sanjiv Goenka. He doesn’t follow any major cricketing icons, which is a strong reflection of how he likes to stay in his own lane. This approach to social media sets him apart in today’s generation of athletes, where online visibility often outweighs actual performance. For Rathi, cricket remains a passion over publicity, and his focused, distraction-free lifestyle indicates a player who’s here for the long haul, not just fleeting fame.
6. Inspired by KKR’s Sunil Narine
One of the most defining influences in Digvesh’s cricketing journey has been Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) superstar Sunil Narine. Watching Narine bowl during IPL matches was the moment that sparked Digvesh’s fascination with spin bowling. He was captivated not just by Narine’s mystery and variations, but more so by his ability to stay calm and unshaken under pressure – traits that Digvesh now aspires to mirror in his own game. From that day, bowling became more than just a skill for Rathi; it became a mindset. He continues to model his approach around Narine’s attacking instinct and composure, hoping to bring a similar impact in every match he plays. Narine didn’t just inspire him technically, but mentally – shaping the fearless, thinking cricketer Digvesh is becoming today.
