Lucknow Super Giants spinner Digvesh Rathi was back in the limelight during the IPL 2025 match against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on Tuesday. Following the dismissal of Sunil Narine, Rathi once again indulged in his previous controversy by dramatically ‘writing on the floor’. This was a variation of his previous trademark move, where he mimicked writing something in a notebook after getting a batter out.

The celebration is reminiscent of the one that got him a fine from the BCCI at the start of the tournament. Digvesh Rathi had previously been fined twice—most recently for his celebration after the wicket of Priyansh Arya. In spite of the two prior disciplines, the young spinner again mimicked the gesture with evident panache after removing the veteran Narine, sparking debate once again about player behavior.

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Marsh and Markram Power LSG’s Blistering Beginnings

LSG’s batting order was opened in dominating style by overseas duo Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram, who took away KKR’s powerplay onslaught with measured aggression. While Vaibhav Arora, lately eulogized by Venkatesh Iyer as a “power-play specialist,” started with a tight over, the pair soon took charge.

Spencer Johnson faced intense pressure in the next few overs as Marsh subjected him to brutal sixes down midwicket. Markram also chipped in with the attack, hitting three boundaries in an over. LSG comfortably crossed 59 without losing a wicket by the powerplay end.

Spin Attack Fails to Contain the Momentum

KKR skipper resorted to spin options Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy to stem the flow, but the LSG openers refused to relent. The two scored just 38 runs from four overs as Markram continued his good touch before getting out for 47 from 28 to a precise off-cutter from Harshit Rana.

Pooran Turns the Heat On KKR Attack

With Markram gone, Nicholas Pooran strode in and immediately shifted the pace. He confronted Narine, who had dominated him in the past in the IPL, and sent him for consecutive sixes—one over short leg-side and another over long-off.

Pooran’s aggressive attitude revitalized LSG’s innings. As for Marsh, he took his fifth fifty in as many innings, joining an elite group comprising David Warner, Virat Kohli, and Chris Gayle. He got to his mark from 36 balls before getting out for 81 off 48 against Andre Russell.

KKR Bowlers Have a Day to Forget

None of the bowlers from KKR were able to check the run flow. Spencer Johnson allowed 15.33 per over, Harshit Rana 12.75 per over, Sunil Narine at 12.66 per over, and Andre Russell at 16, making it a challenging day for the home team bowlers.

As LSG celebrated a comprehensive batting performance, Digvesh Rathi’s celebration once again became the talking point, leaving fans and officials divided on whether flamboyance on the field needs firmer regulation.