Lucknow Super Giants spinner Digvesh Rathi has been suspended for his team’s final league-stage fixture against Gujarat Titans on May 22 after accumulating five demerit points in the 2025 IPL season. The suspension follows a Code of Conduct breach during the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Monday.
The latest incident involved a confrontation with SRH opener Abhishek Sharma, after Rathi dismissed him and celebrated with a fiery send-off. The gesture triggered a reaction from Abhishek, who turned back to confront the bowler before the two were separated by teammates and the on-field umpire. The altercation has now led to consequences for both players.
In an official statement, the IPL said, “This was his third Level 1 offence under Article 2.5 this season and hence, he has accumulated Two Demerit Points, in addition to Three Demerit Points he had accumulated earlier – One Demerit Point against Punjab Kings on April 01, 2025, and Two Demerit Points against Mumbai Indians on April 04, 2025. As he now has Five Demerit Points this season – which result in a one-game suspension – Digvesh will now be suspended for LSG’s next game.”
Meanwhile, Abhishek Sharma has been fined 25 percent of his match fees for his part in the altercation, marking his first Code of Conduct breach this season. Despite the on-field tension, the two players were seen talking and exchanging handshakes after the match, which SRH won by six wickets.
Abhishek, who was named Player of the Match, addressed the incident post-game. “We [him and Rathi] spoke after the game, it is all good now,” he told JioHotstar, confirming there were no lingering issues between the two.
The incident adds further drama to LSG’s disappointing end to their campaign, as the loss confirmed their elimination from playoff contention.
