1 day Ago By Firstpost
Digvesh Rathi made his third appearance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Tuesday after the Lucknow Super Giants opted to retain the combination that helped them defeat Sunrisers Hyderabad by five wickets in Hyderabad last week. However, the confidence that Rathi exhibited in his celebrations during LSG’s first home game of the 2025 Indian Premier League against Punjab Kings would have one think that he has been playing at this level for years now. Rathi’s haul of 2/30 from four overs was the lone bright spot in what was otherwise a sorry bowling performance by the Super Giants bowlers in their defence of a target of 172.
And what stood out in the Delhi leg-spinner’s spell was the way he celebrated after getting rid of openers Priyansh Arya (8 off 9) and Prabhsimran Singh (69 off 34). Rathi rekindled memories of the ’notebook’ celebration, made famous by West Indian cricketer Kesrick Williams’ as well as by Indian batting star Virat Kohli, after getting rid of Delhi teammate Arya in his first over of the evening. Watch : #DigveshRathi provides the breakthrough as #PriyanshArya heads back! P.
S: Don't miss the celebration at the end! 👀✍🏻 Watch LIVE action of #LSGvPBKS ➡ https://t.co/GLxHRDQajv #IPLOnJiostar | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi & JioHotstar! | #IndianPossibleLeague pic.twitter.
com/TAhHDtXX8n After being utilised for a couple of overs, Rathi was brought back after the halfway mark of PBKS’ chase – at which point the Shreyas Iyer-led side were sitting pretty at 110/1 with a second win in as many outings within sight. Rathi, however, once again gave the home crowd that had largely remained silent in the second half of Tuesday’s fixture a reason to smile, getting rid of the well-set Prabhsimran in the first delivery of his new spell. Ayush Badoni and Ravi Bishnoi produced an excellent relay catch at the edge of the deep midwicket boundary.
Rathi’s celebrations were relatively muted this time, given the situation of the game, but that didn’t stop him from emulating Sri Lankan all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga’s trademark celebration. Rathi’s strikes, however, would prove to be mere blips in the Kings’ chase as skipper Iyer (46 not out) and Nehal Wadhera (43 not out) stitched together an unbeaten 62-run stand to guide their team to a commanding eight-wicket victory with nearly four overs to spare..
