IPL 2025 [WATCH]: Rajiv Shukla plays peacekeeper between Digvesh Rathi and Abhishek Sharma after fierce exchange post-match

Sunrisers Hyderabad knocked Lucknow Super Giants out of the Indian Premier  League (IPL) 2025 playoff race with a clinical six-wicket win at the Ekana Stadium. However, the headlines weren’t solely about cricket. A heated confrontation between LSG leg-spinner Digvesh Rathi and SRH opener Abhishek Sharma grabbed center stage and overshadowed the result itself.

Verbal exchange between Abhishek Sharma and Digvesh Rathee in the IPL 2025

The match was loaded with high stakes, and emotions reached a boiling point in the eighth over, when Rathi dismissed the in-form Abhishek Sharma – who had by then already smashed 59 off just 20 balls. After taking the wicket, Rathi celebrated aggressively by pointing Abhishek back to the dressing room and following it up with a ‘notebook’ celebration – an animated gesture mimicking taking notes, often considered provocative. While Abhishek initially walked back after his dismissal, he quickly turned around and exchanged sharp words with Rathi. The situation escalated to such a degree that on-field umpires had to step in to prevent further confrontation. The dismissal came at a vital time, with LSG desperately needing a breakthrough in their defense of a 206-run target. However, the on-field intensity spilled well beyond the boundary ropes.

Also READ: Fans lose patience as Rishabh Pant delivers another low score in IPL 2025 during LSG vs SRH clash

BCCI’s vice-president Rajeev Shukla steps in to defuse the tension 

What could have ended on the field continued into the post-match formalities. During the traditional handshake line-up, Abhishek was seen engaging in a tense conversation with LSG assistant coach Vijay Dahiya. Eyewitnesses reported that the SRH batter was expressing displeasure at Rathi’s celebration and behavior, prompting Dahiya to ask Sharma to let it go and move on.

Despite the coach’s efforts, Abhishek and Rathi continued their argument moments later, prompting further concern. Just as tensions looked set to flare again, BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla was seen intervening. In now-viral video footage that surfaced on social media shortly after the match, Shukla can be seen personally mediating between both players. He approached the duo calmly but firmly, urging them to de-escalate and respect the spirit of the game. The senior administrator’s involvement was crucial in diffusing the tension that had built up from the high-voltage clash.

Here’s the video:

Rajeev Shukla 😎#Cricket #LSGvsSRH pic.twitter.com/e19VPOuv3V

— Aman (@Amanriz78249871) May 20, 2025

Shukla’s diplomatic handling of the issue ensured that the situation did not spiral into disciplinary hearings or further off-field drama. His intervention was widely appreciated across the cricketing community, as many praised the quick and composed manner in which the situation was handled.

Abhishek’s blistering knock for Sunrisers Hyderabad against Lucknow Super Giants 

Despite the incident, it must be noted that Abhishek had already done major damage by the time he was dismissed. His 59 off 20 balls set the tone for SRH’s chase, including an 82-run opening partnership off just 35 balls with fellow opener Ishan Kishan. Their assault effectively neutralized the pressure of a 200-plus target, giving Hyderabad the cushion to finish the chase with ease. Further contributions came from Kishan (35), Heinrich Klaasen (35) and Kamindu Mendis (32 off 19 balls), who anchored the final stretch to help SRH reach the target with several balls to spare.

With this defeat, Lucknow joined Delhi in exiting the playoff race. Despite decent individual performances across the season, inconsistency and lapses in pressure situations ultimately cost LSG a spot in the top four. Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant‘s Delhi side, too, had been mathematically knocked out earlier in the day, making room for other contenders like to stake stronger claims.

Also WATCH: Sanjiv Goenka walks into dressing room furious after LSG captain Rishabh Pant’s early departure vs SRH