In the ever-evolving landscape of the Indian Premier League (IPL) fresh faces are constantly emerging, eager to prove their mettle against cricket’s finest. Among them, Digvesh Rathi has carved a niche for himself with both his spin wizardry and his now-infamous “notebook celebration.”

Representing the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), the 25-year-old spinner from Delhi has become one of the standout performers of IPL 2025—taking key wickets and turning heads, not just for his bowling, but also for his bold and cheeky celebrations.

But while fans and teammates alike are enjoying the antics, the BCCI hasn’t been as amused, fining Rathi twice already and adding demerit points to his name. Yet, it seems the young cricketer isn’t backing down. And recently, when confronted by his cricketing idol, Sunil Narine, Rathi’s reply about his celebration left everyone in stitches.

Digvesh Rathi’s celebration that stirred the cricketing world

Rathi first pulled off the “notebook celebration” after dismissing Priyansh Arya of Punjab Kings. A move popularized by West Indies pacer Kesrick Williams, the act involves pretending to jot something down in a notebook—often seen as a cheeky message to the batter. While the crowd loved it, the BCCI slapped Rathi with a 25% fine on his match fee, categorizing it as a Level 1 offense under Article 2.5 of the IPL Code of Conduct.

However, that didn’t stop him. In the next match against Mumbai Indians, Rathi repeated the move after claiming the wicket of Naman Dhir. The BCCI responded with a heavier hand�?0% of his match fee fined and an additional demerit point added, making it three in total.

Still, Rathi’s on-field performance remains undeniable. With six wickets in the bag and an economy rate of 7.62, he’s proving to be a key weapon in LSG’s arsenal.

Rathi meets his idol Sunil Narine and reveals his celebration secret

Following LSG’s victory over Mumbai Indians in Lucknow, the squad travelled to Kolkata to prepare for their upcoming clash with defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). During a training session at Eden Gardens, Rathi’s moment of dreams came true when LSG skipper Rishabh Pant introduced him to none other than Narine—his cricketing idol.

But the meeting didn’t go quite how one might expect. Pant, Nicholas Pooran, and Narine shared a light-hearted moment with the young spinner. Pooran, with a teasing grin, asked Rathi, �?em>So tell me something. He (Narine) doesn’t celebrate. Why do you celebrate?�?/p>

Rathi’s responded with a cool, deadpan saying “I’m from Delhi.�?/em> The simple yet confident remark had Narine, Pant, and Pooran in fits of laughter. It was a glimpse into the personality of a cricketer who, while under scrutiny, clearly isn’t letting the pressure dim his spark. Pant followed up with a hilarious quip, �?em>He’s a ticket collector. He’s (Narine) a wicket collector. He is writing the cheques.�?/p>

Here’s the video:

POV: Finally you met your idol 💜😄 pic.twitter.com/ynKB3VuVgi

— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) April 6, 2025

Also READ: SRH vs GT: Mohammed Siraj joins elite club with 100 IPL wickets in historic homecoming performance

LSG to next take on the defending champions 

As LSG gear up to face KKR on April 8 at Eden Gardens—a match rescheduled from April 6—the spotlight will once again be on Rathi. With Narine possibly on the opposing team and the Eden crowd charged up, all eyes will be on whether the young Delhi spinner will unleash his notebook once more—or find a new way to steal the show.

Also READ: Fans erupt as Mohammed Siraj, Shubman Gill guide GT to emphatic win over SRH in IPL 2025

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Ramandeep Singh‘s exceptional catch during Sunday’s Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 clash between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, marked a pivotal moment in the match. It allowed Mitchell Starc to claim his first wicket of the day, dismissing Deepak Hooda (8 off 10).

KKR’s decision to bowl against LSG

Kolkata’s decision to bowl first after winning the toss proved beneficial as they quickly removed Lucknow’s opener, Quinton de Kock, in the second over. Sensing the need for a change in their batting lineup, LSG introduced Deepak Hooda at number 3, replacing the struggling Devdutt Padikkal. However, Hooda faced challenges in finding the boundary, ultimately leading to his departure in the fifth over due to an extraordinary catch by Ramandeep.

Ramandeep Singh’s spectacular grab to send Deepak Hooda packing

On the fourth delivery of the fifth over, Starc bowled a length ball outside off to Hooda. In an attempt to drive powerfully towards a backward point for a boundary, Hooda created some room. Nevertheless, Ramandeep, stationed in that region, displayed remarkable anticipation and agility. With a split-second decision, he dove to his right and secured the ball with both hands, executing a sensational catch.

Also READ: IPL 2024: Here’s why LSG players are wearing Maroon Jersey in today’s match against KKR

Ramandeep’s precise timing and athleticism left Hooda disappointed as he made his way back to the pavilion. Ramandeep’s remarkable effort was met with immediate praise from his teammates, who rushed to celebrate with him, recognizing the significance of his contribution to the team’s success.

Here’s the video:

Ramandeep can FLY! ✈️

That was one stunning grab! 👌 👌#LSG 49/2 after the Powerplay

Watch the match LIVE on @JioCinema and @StarSportsIndia 💻📱#TATAIPL | #KKRvLSG | @KKRiders pic.twitter.com/jiaAGEXt31

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 14, 2024

Lineup changes

In addition to Ramandeep’s outstanding catch, both teams made changes to their lineups. Kolkata introduced Harshit Rana in place of Rinku Singh, with the possibility of Rinku featuring as an ‘Impact Player’ later in the game. On the other hand, Lucknow brought Hooda and Mohsin Khan back into their XI and handed West Indian pacer Shamar Joseph his maiden cap, aiming to strengthen their squad for the match.

Also READ: IPL 2024: Stephen Fleming names the CSK player who deserves a spot in India�?T20 World Cup 2024 squad

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The stage is set for a riveting showdown between the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Match 28 of the illustrious Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Scheduled for an afternoon fixture on Sunday (April 14), this encounter promises to be a spectacle of fierce competition and unwavering resolve. After experiencing the sting of defeat in their recent outings, both teams are poised to reclaim their spotlights amidst the storied ambiance of Eden Gardens in Kolkata. With aspirations high and victory on their minds, these titans of the cricketing arena are prepared to leave no stone unturned in their quest for redemption and glory.

KKR vs LSG: Head-to-Head Record:

• Since the introduction of the Lucknow franchise in the tournament in 2022, KKR and LSG have crossed paths thrice.
• Among these encounters, LSG holds a complete advantage over KKR leading with a margin of 3-0.
• However, in the sole match played at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, LSG emerged victorious over KKR.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Overview:

In their recent outing, Kolkata encountered their maiden setback of the season, as they found themselves contained to a modest score of 137 runs by the formidable Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Despite this defeat, the Shreyas Iyer-led Kolkata outfit maintains a commendable second position in the standings, boasting three victories from four encounters. With a potential triumph against LSG on the horizon, the Knights have their sights set on ascending to the summit of the points table.

KKR’s probable playing XI for IPL 2024 opener against LSG:

1. Rahmanullah Gurbaz
2. Venkatesh Iyer
3. Shreyas Iyer
4. Nitish Rana
5. Rinku Singh
6. Andre Russell
7. Sunil Narine
8. Mitchell Starc
9. Vaibhav Arora
10. Suyash Sharma
11. Varun Chakravarthy

Explanation:

• Adapting to Eden Gardens Conditions: KKR’s playing XI is tailored to suit the conditions at Eden Gardens, known for its supportive pitch for spinners and swing for pacers in the early overs with the new ball.
• Batting Firepower: With the likes of Venkatesh and Shreyas at the top, supported by the explosive Russell in the middle order, KKR boasts significant batting firepower capable of setting challenging totals or chasing down targets effectively.
• Varied Bowling Attack: KKR’s bowling arsenal, featuring pacers like Starc, along with spinners like Narine and Chakravarthy, offers a diverse set of options to exploit the conditions. This versatility allows the team to adapt their bowling strategy based on pitch conditions and opposition strengths.

Also READ: Jason Roy reveals the reason behind the withdrawal from IPL 2024

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) Overview:

Lucknow suffered a resounding defeat in their previous fixture against the Delhi Capitals (DC), marking a halt to their impressive three-game winning streak. LSG’s bowlers, notably Mayank Yadav and Mohsin Khan, were sorely missed due to injuries, as they struggled to defend a target of 167 runs against Delhi at home. Now, as they gear up to face Kolkata, Lucknow will seek redemption and aim to reignite their winning momentum in the IPL 2024 campaign.

LSG’s probable playing XI for the IPL 2024 game against KKR:

1. Quinton de Kock
2. KL Rahul
3. Devdutt Padikkal
4. Deepak Hooda
5. Nicholas Pooran
6. Marcus Stoinis
7. Krunal Pandya
8. Naveen-ul-Haq
9. Ravi Bishnoi
10. Mohsin Khan
11. Yash Thakur

A comprehensive analysis:

• Batting Depth: Lucknow Super Giants boast an impressive batting lineup comprising seasoned campaigners like De Kock, Rahul, Padikkal, and Pooran. Their ability to adapt to the slower conditions at the Eden Gardens and anchor the innings while also unleashing powerful strokes when needed ensures the team can set competitive totals even on challenging surfaces.
• Spin Options: The team’s spin department is bolstered by the presence of Pandya, Bishnoi, and Mishra, offering valuable support on a pitch known for favoring spinners. With their ability to exploit the surface’s slower nature, these spinners can extract turn and bounce to trouble opposition batters, effectively controlling the run flow and putting pressure on the opponents.
• All-round Abilities: Stoinis and Hooda bring a blend of batting and bowling prowess to the team, adding depth and balance. Their all-round capabilities allow them to contribute significantly with both bat and ball, offering versatility and flexibility in the team’s strategy to adapt to various match situations.
• Variety in Bowling: Lucknow’s bowling attack boasts a mix of spin and seam options, providing versatility and adaptability. Alongside the spinners, seamers like Yash, Naveen, and Mohsin offer different dimensions to the bowling attack. With their pace and variations, they can exploit early movement or uneven bounce on the surface, complementing the spinners and maintaining pressure on the opposition throughout the innings.

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Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will take on against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the 28th match of IPL 2024. Both teams are seeking redemption after suffering defeats in their previous matches. Therefore, they will be determined to secure a victory and grab crucial points in the points table.

The match between KKR and LSG will be played at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

T20 Stats and Records at Eden Gardens:

• Total matches: 87
• Matches won batting first: 36
• Matches won bowling first: 51
• Average score batting first: 160
• Highest total recorded: 235/4 (20 Ov) by Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders
• Lowest total recorded: 49/10 (9.4 Ov) by Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Kolkata Knight Riders
• Highest score chased: 188/6 (18.2 Ov) by Gujarat Lions vs Kolkata Knight Riders

Eden Gardens Stadium Pitch Report:

The Eden Gardens Stadium pitch witnessed a significant transformation last year, deviating from its traditionally slow and low nature. With the inclusion of grass cover, the surface now offers enhanced bounce and pace, providing an advantage to fast bowlers.
A recommended strategy for batters is to seize scoring opportunities during the powerplay phase. As the innings progress and spinners start to dominate in the middle overs, batters can consider adopting a more aggressive approach.

Kolkata Weather Forecast:

The weather outlook for the KKR vs LSG match in Kolkata is promising, and perfect conditions for cricket are anticipated. Clear skies are expected throughout the match, with no chances of rain. The temperature is forecasted to reach around 35 degrees Celsius, accompanied by gentle breezes of approximately 10 km/hr. Humidity levels are projected to remain at a comfortable 53%. With such favourable weather conditions expected, the match is likely to progress smoothly without any disruptions.

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Squads:

Kolkata Knight Riders: Philip Salt (wk), Venkatesh Iyer, Shreyas Iyer (c), Nitish Rana, Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Sunil Narine, Mitchell Starc, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, Manish Pandey, Srikar Bharat, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Anukul Roy, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Chetan Sakariya, Sherfane Rutherford, Vaibhav Arora, Dushmantha Chameera, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Sakib Hussain, Suyash Sharma

Lucknow Super Giants: KL Rahul (c), Ayush Badoni, Quinton de Kock (wk), Devdutt Padikkal, Nicholas Pooran (vc), Ashton Turner, Krishnappa Gowtham, Deepak Hooda, Arshin Kulkarni, Prerak Mankad, Kyle Mayers, Krunal Pandya, Marcus Stoinis, David Willey, Arshad Khan, Shamar Joseph, Amit Mishra, Mohsin Khan, Naveen-ul-Haq, Ravi Bishnoi, Shivam Mavi, Manimaran Siddharth, Mayank Yadav, Yash Thakur, Yudhvir Singh, Shamar Joseph

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