On Monday, the IPL 2025 game between LSG and SRH flared up with controversy following a heated argument between LSG spinner Digvesh Rathi and SRH opener Abhishek Sharma. This overshadowed what was expected to be a high-scoring match and eventually dashed LSG’s hopes of qualifying for the playoffs.
The saga began during the eighth over of SRH’s innings when Abhishek Sharma was in destructive form, scoring 59 runs in just 20 deliveries. SRH was sitting pretty due to Sharma’s blistering innings that featured four sixes in a row off Ravi Bishnoi. However, he perished later in the over when he mistimed a shot to Rathi and was caught out by Shardul Thakur.
As Sharma started to leave the field, Rathi celebrated the wicket in “notebook” style, which has drawn fines and criticism for being provocative. “Notebook” has become a notorious celebration for Digvesh Rathi, which pushes the boundaries of punishable offences in cricket. Most expected Abhishek Sharma to walk away with his head down after such a display. To everyone’s surprise, he gave Rathi a piece of his mind instead. On the other hand, Rathi was not done, and he also started piping in, aiming his fingers toward “Sharma” while returning his words. Rathi’s actions escalated into what could only be described as a bitter standoff as Axar Patel and Dinesh Karthik had to separate the two from the umpires, who had desperately tried to intervene to maintain the decency of the game.
— Abhishek Sharma (@Abhisharma_22) May 19, 2025
Rathi, a new LSG entrant, has been penalised for the second time this season due to his over-the-top celebrations and behaviour. His actions on Monday sparked fresh discussions on the controversial IPL practices and lateral disciplines of sportsmanship. As far as Sharma is concerned, he was not coy and chose to respond to Rathi verbally before exiting the field. Undoubtedly, both players could come under close examination and police action by the match officials for the enforcement of rules. This is particularly true since Rathi is a recidivist under the IPL charge.
Notwithstanding the theatrics, the game in question was, in fact, a run feast. LSG openers Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram scored 65 and 61 with the bat, respectively. Their team posted a marvellous total of 205 runs at the loss of 7 wickets. With the bat, SRH responded aggressively, primarily through Sharma, who scored a brisk 59, followed by solid performances from Ishan Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen. With 10 balls to spare, SRH achieved their target with a margin of 6 wickets, officially sending LSG packing and eliminating any chances of them making the playoffs.
Post-match, the tension appears to have defused. LSG support staff were seen tending to both Rathi and Sharma, helping them shake hands. Sharma eventually confirmed to reporters that the issue was settled, saying, “I spoke to him after the game, and it is all good now.”
The event has generated a lot of debate from fans and analysts, as some calling for stricter enforcement of on-field discipline while others are defending the players’ right to express emotion in acute situations. With the IPL 2025 season reaching its peak, the issues regarding the code of conduct and discipline continue to dominate the discourse.
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