In a dramatic turn of events during the IPL 2025 season, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) pacer Digvesh Rathi has been slapped with a one-match suspension and a fine of 50 percent of his match fees following a fiery on-field confrontation with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) opener Abhishek Sharma. The incident occurred during a high-octane clash at Lucknow’s Ekana Cricket Stadium on Monday, adding yet another layer of intensity to an already thrilling tournament.
The altercation, which has sent ripples through the cricket community, marks Rathi’s third Level 1 breach of the IPL Code of Conduct this season under Article 2.5, accumulating a total of five demerit points. As per IPL regulations, reaching this threshold triggers an automatic suspension, meaning Rathi will miss LSG’s crucial upcoming match against Gujarat Titans on May 22, 2025, at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. His latest infraction added two demerit points to the three points he had already accrued earlier in the season—one against Punjab Kings on April 1, 2025, and two against Mumbai Indians on April 4, 2025.
On the other side of the clash, Abhishek Sharma, who played a match-defining knock of 59 runs off just 20 balls, was not spared either. The SRH batter has been reprimanded with a 25 percent deduction in his match fees and handed one demerit point for his role in the spat, marking his first offence of the season. Despite the penalties, the incident highlighted the raw passion and competitive spirit that the IPL is known for, though it also raises questions about on-field discipline.
The drama unfolded in the heat of the moment after Rathi dismissed Abhishek and celebrated with his signature notebook-style gesture, a move that has become synonymous with the fiery bowler. However, the gesture appeared to provoke Abhishek, leading to an angry exchange of words and insults. The situation escalated quickly, prompting umpires and teammates to intervene and prevent further escalation. Emotions continued to simmer even after the match, with a brief but intense moment during the post-match handshake when LSG assistant coach Vijay Dahiya was seen having a word with Abhishek before the SRH star shook hands with Rathi.
In a bid to defuse tensions, BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla stepped in as a mediator, holding discussions with both players post-match. Thankfully, calmer heads prevailed, and Abhishek later confirmed during the post-match presentation that the issue had been resolved. ‘I spoke to Digvesh after the game, and it’s all good now,’ he said, signaling an end to the on-field animosity. His words were a relief to fans who had witnessed SRH secure a commanding victory, thanks in large part to his explosive batting that turned the game in their favor.
This incident, while unfortunate, is a reminder of the high-pressure environment of the IPL, where emotions often run high. For Rathi, a rising talent in Indian cricket known for his aggressive bowling and unrelenting spirit, this suspension comes as a setback in an otherwise promising season. The 26-year-old, who hails from Uttar Pradesh, has been a key cog in LSG’s pace attack, with 12 wickets in 8 matches at an economy of 8.3 this season. His absence against Gujarat Titans could test LSG’s bowling depth, especially on a pitch that often favors fast bowlers.
As for Abhishek Sharma, the 24-year-old Punjab-born batter continues to make headlines for the right reasons on the field. With over 300 runs in the season so far at a staggering strike rate of 160+, he remains a vital asset for SRH, who are pushing hard for a playoff berth. However, this incident serves as a cautionary tale about maintaining composure under pressure.
The IPL’s official statement reiterated the finality of the penalties, stating, ‘For Level 1 breaches of the Code of Conduct, the Match Referee’s decision is final and binding.’ As the tournament progresses, both players will undoubtedly look to put this episode behind them and focus on their respective teams’ campaigns. Meanwhile, fans can only hope for more cricketing brilliance and fewer controversies in the matches to come.
In the grand scheme of IPL 2025, this clash may be a footnote, but it underscores the fine line between passion and provocation in professional sport. As the league heads into its decisive phase, all eyes will be on how Rathi and Abhishek bounce back—both as individuals and as pivotal members of their teams.