In a dramatic turn of events during the IPL 2025 match between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), LSG spinner Digvyesh Rathi has been suspended for one match following a verbal spat with SRH opener Abhishek Sharma. The incident occurred during SRH’s dominant six-wicket win over LSG at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium on May 20.
Match Suspension and Fine Imposed
According to an official statement released by the IPL governing body, Rathi has been fined 50% of his match fee and handed a one-match suspension. He will miss LSG’s upcoming clash against Gujarat Titans on May 22 in Ahmedabad.
The IPL cited multiple breaches of the Code of Conduct. This latest offense — a Level 1 breach under Article 2.5 — marks Rathi’s third such infraction of the season. With the addition of two demerit points for this incident, Rathi now has a total of five demerit points for the season, automatically triggering a one-match ban.
The Flashpoint: A Tense Exchange on the Field
The altercation occurred in the eighth over of SRH’s innings when Abhishek Sharma was batting in explosive form, having already scored 59 runs off just 19 balls. As SRH surged to 99/1, LSG captain Rishabh Pant handed the ball to Rathi in hopes of a breakthrough — and he delivered. Abhishek was caught at extra cover, but as he began walking off, Rathi glared at him and made an aggressive “notebook celebration” gesture.
This taunt triggered an immediate reaction from Abhishek, who turned back and confronted Rathi. Heated words were exchanged before on-field umpires and players from both sides intervened to de-escalate the situation.
Abhishek Sharma Also Fined
Abhishek Sharma, too, was penalized for his part in the incident. He has been fined 25% of his match fee for a Level 1 breach under Article 2.6 of the IPL Code of Conduct. This is his first offense of the season, and he has been handed one demerit point.
Background: Rathi’s Disciplinary Track Record
Rathi’s suspension stems from a buildup of infractions throughout the season. Prior to this, he had earned one demerit point on April 1 against Punjab Kings and two more on April 4 against Mumbai Indians. His aggressive on-field behavior appears to be under increasing scrutiny by match officials.
What’s Next?
With the playoff race heating up, Rathi’s suspension could be a crucial blow to LSG’s bowling lineup. Meanwhile, the IPL has made it clear that repeated misconduct — even at Level 1 — will not be tolerated.
As the league nears its final stages, tensions are expected to rise, but players are reminded that sportsmanship must remain paramount.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.