Digvesh Rathi's suspension should be a wake-up call. T20 cricket is also a gentleman's game

The Print

22-05-2025

As a cricket fan, yes, we love aggression on the field. The celebrations? Bring them on? But aggression that morphs into showboating or targeting — especially after being warned multiple times—no longer follows the sporting spirit.
Lucknow Super Giants spinner Digvesh Rathi has earned himself a one-match suspension from the Indian Premier League Governing Council for repeated breach of the league's Code of Conduct.
Rathi had already been penalised twice by the IPL for his 'notebook gesture' after taking wickets. His provocative move fell in the Level 1 offence under Article 2.5.
Rathi was fined 25 per cent of his match fee after his first such celebration. The 25-year-old didn't learn from his mistake and repeated it, following which he was fined 50 per cent of his match fees.
After the ban, many may point toward Virat Kohli, whose infamous celebrations have landed him in hot water. But did Kohli repeat the gesture or provocations in a particular IPL season or series after being warned and fined multiple times?
Players who've crossed the line multiple times, like Harshit Rana, have also paid the price.
Also read: A batting blitz, 'notebook' & chaos. When Rathi-Abhishek on-field antics became IPL's talking point
Debut season
Rathi's ignorance and indifference clearly indicate that he was actively testing the system. And arrogance like that should be met with consequences.
During the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on 19 May, Rathi not only repeated his offence for the third time, but was also involved in a heated altercation with Sunrisers Hyderabad batter Abhishek Sharma, which prompted the umpires and other players to intervene.
BCCI found Rathi guilty of breaching the IPL Code of Conduct for the third time this season. Hence, the spinner was not only fined 50 per cent match fee but was also handed a suspension from the franchise's next game against the Gujarat Titans. Sharma, too, was fined 25 per cent of his match fee.
Notably, it is Rathi's debut season. He has so far picked 14 wickets in 12 matches. And he has won one 'Player of the Match' award against Mumbai Indians.
But talent without temperament is a wasted gift.
And being new to the league should be all the more reason to respect its code of conduct. Players cannot and should not believe that they can get away with in-your-face celebrations just because they're pumped or the cameras are rolling.
Also read: Haryanvi IPL commentary is more crass than cricket. Don't waste the opportunity
Know the boundary
The IPL isn't just about performance. It's also about conduct, discipline, and knowing you're part of something bigger than just your moment in the spotlight. A little humility never hurt anyone.
The suspension was necessary because it set a precedent. It should serve as a wake-up call — not just for Rathi, but for every young gun in the league. Celebrate your success. Jump, scream, high-five, chest-bump if you must. But also know where the boundary is.
The IPL is watched by millions, including kids and teenagers who idolise these players. When the audience watches a bowler celebrating in someone's face and walking away despite the provocative behaviour, what message does it send out? That disrespect is part of the game? Style is more important than substance?
Nope. Cricket, even in its T20 avatar, is still a gentleman's game — and that foundation has to be protected.
Views are personal.
(Edited by Theres Sudeep)