Table of Contents
In a thrilling IPL 2025 encounter between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, LSG pacer Akash Singh paid a striking tribute to his suspended teammate Digvesh Rathi by replicating his infamous ‘notebook’ wicket celebration. This act not only sparked excitement among fans but also reignited discussions around the controversial gesture that had previously landed Rathi in hot water.
Akash Singh emulates Digvesh Rathi’s notebook celebration after dismissing Jos Buttler
Rathi, LSG’s leg-spinner, had become a talking point this season with his unique ‘notebook’ celebration, where after taking a wicket, he theatrically pretends to pull out an imaginary notebook and jot down the dismissed batter’s name. This signature move, while creative, was deemed provocative and unsportsmanlike by IPL officials, especially after a heated altercation with Sunrisers Hyderabad batter Abhishek Sharma. The incident resulted in Rathi receiving a one-match suspension for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct.
With Rathi sidelined for the crucial match against Gujarat Titans, Akash stepped up to fill the void—not just with his bowling but also by adopting the ‘notebook’ celebration after dismissing the dangerous Jos Buttler. Akash’s wicket was a game-changing moment; a cleverly disguised slower ball from around the wicket clean bowled Buttler for 33 runs off 18 balls, halting GT’s chase of a mammoth 235-run target posted by LSG.
By mimicking Rathi’s celebration, Akash sent a clear message of solidarity and team unity, showing that the spirit of their fiery teammate lived on despite his absence. The gesture also seemed to challenge the IPL authorities’ crackdown on such celebrations, hinting at the players’ desire to express themselves on the field.
Here’s the video:
THE WICKET. THAT CELEBRATION. 🥶#AkashSingh, we weren’t familiar with your game! 😅✍️
How crucial will #JosButtler’s wicket be in #GujaratTitans’ #Race2Top2? 👀
Watch the LIVE action ➡ https://t.co/f5jCzHFE2W #IPLonJioStar 👉 #GTvLSG | LIVE NOW on Star Sports Network &… pic.twitter.com/j7oDQqpXN5
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 22, 2025
The notebook celebration fiasco and its impact
The ‘notebook’ celebration had initially sparked tension between Rathi and Abhishek, culminating in a heated exchange that required umpire intervention and led to penalties for both players. However, the conflict was eventually resolved amicably, with LSG’s assistant coach Vijay Dahiya mediating between the two, and the players seen walking off together with arms around each other’s shoulders. Even LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka was involved in discussions with Abhishek, underscoring the seriousness with which the team managed the situation.
On the field, the GT vs LSG match itself was a showcase of LSG’s dominance. Mitchell Marsh’s maiden IPL century (117 off 62 balls) and Nicholas Pooran’s unbeaten 56 helped LSG set a daunting total of 235 for 2. The bowling unit, spearheaded by Akash’s key wicket, then restricted Gujarat Titans to 202, sealing a 33-run victory and snapping LSG’s four-match losing streak.
Also READ: Explained: Why Mumbai Indians penalized for odd no-ball in IPL 2025 game vs Delhi Capitals
