BIPIN DANI
In the high-octane world of cricket, individuality often shines brightest. For Digvesh Rathi, the young leg-spinner making waves in the IPL, his signature "notebook celebration" has drawn both admiration and criticism. While his skill with the ball is undeniable, his choice of celebration has landed him in hot water with the Indian cricket board on two occasions, sparking a debate about where the line between flair and decorum should be drawn.
The Evolution of the Notebook Celebration
1. The Initial Controversy : The first instance of Rathi's notorious celebration occurred after he dismissed Priyansh Arya during a match against Punjab Kings. Mimicking the act of jotting down notes, Rathi’s gesture was interpreted as provocative. Although Arya, a personal friend, shrugged it off, the cricketing authorities did not. Rathi was penalized 25% of his match fee, with criticism pouring in from various quarters. Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar notably remarked, “When you celebrate like this, it implies you didn’t expect to take a wicket. Such behavior borders on arrogance.”
2. The Second Incident: Just a few matches later, Rathi repeated his act after claiming the wicket of Naman Dhir. The repeat offense cost him 50% of his match fee and an additional demerit point. The cricket board reiterated its stand against unsportsmanlike conduct, putting the spotlight on Rathi’s actions once again.
3. A Theatrical Spin : The most recent chapter in Rathi’s controversial celebrations saw him take it a step further. After dismissing his idol, Sunil Narine, he theatrically bent down to the ground, mimicking the act of signing the grass. According to his coach, Sachin Shukla, this gesture was less of a taunt and more of a symbolic autograph, reflecting a deep respect for the player he idolizes. “It’s more about commemorating his performance,” Shukla explained, adding that Rathi has long maintained a habit of recording his successes.
Support from Close Quarters: Despite the growing controversy, Rathi has found steadfast support among those who know him best. Speaking exclusively, Sachin Shukla, his personal coach at Dronacharya Cricket Academy came to his defense: “Yes, the first instance involved some contact with the batter, but it’s important to note that Priyansh Arya is his friend, and there was no animosity. Different players have their own ways of celebrating, and as long as it doesn’t harm anyone, I don’t see an issue with it.”
Elaborating further on the notebook celebration done on the ground, the coach said, "Rathi bent down and theatrically signed the grass—more a symbolic autograph than a taunt, perhaps a gesture of respect. After all, Sunil Narine is his idol. His "notebook celebration" likely reflects a long-standing habit of recording his best performances, something he's been doing for years".
Rathi’s elder brother, Sunny Rathi, who serves as a constable, also weighed in on the matter. “After his first penalty, we warned him to tone it down. But Digvesh is adamant—he sees himself as an aggressive bowler and insists that his celebrations reflect his mindset. He once told me, ‘If I stop celebrating in my style, I’ll lose my edge. I don’t want to become a defensive player.’”
The Man Beyond the Field: Born into a modest family, Digvesh Rathi’s story is one of resilience and ambition. His father, Dharmendra Singh, earns a livelihood working at construction sites, while his mother, Manju Devi, is a homemaker. His younger brother, Nirdosh, shares an interest in cricket, perhaps inspired by Rathi’s own passion and achievements.
While the controversies surrounding Rathi’s celebrations continue to divide opinions, they also underscore the fiery personality of a player who is determined to make his mark. For Rathi, every wicket is not just a statistic but a story worth penning down—quite literally.
