Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) secured their maiden home victory in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 defeating Mumbai Indians (MI) by 12 runs. However, the triumph came with a downside for LSG. Skipper Rishabh Pant was penalized for a slow over rate, while the in-form mystery spinner Digvesh Rathi was fined 50 percent of his match fee. Another violation of the IPL Code of Conduct could result in a one-match suspension for Rathi.
Since this was LSG’s first team offence under Article 2.22 of the IPL Code of Conduct, Pant has been handed a fine of Rs 12 lakh for maintaining a slow over rate.
Rathi, who once again pulled off the ‘notebook’ celebration after dismissing Naman Dhir, has been fined 50 percent of his match fee for violating the IPL Code of Conduct. The Level 1 offence comes under Article 2.5. Additionally, he has been given two demerit points.
Rathi’s ‘Notebook’ Celebration Costs Him Again, Pant Fined for Over-Rate
In total, he now has three demerit points. He had earlier given a Punjab Kings (PBKS) batter a ‘notebook celebration’ send-off. If Rathi repeats a similar celebration in the upcoming match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), he could be handed a one-match suspension. The mystery spinner, who was also named ‘Player of the Match,’ will need to refrain from celebrating dismissals in that manner if he wants to steer clear of suspension.
Rathi has become LSG’s best bowler in his first IPL season. He is currently eighth in the Purple Cap race, having taken six wickets in four games. His economy rate of 7.62 runs per over has been excellent. LSG bought his services for Rs 30 lakh in the IPL 2025 mega auction.
In the previous season, Pant was also penalized for maintaining a slow over rate while leading Delhi Capitals (DC). As a consequence, he was suspended for a crucial match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), which DC ended up losing. That defeat, combined with a lower net run rate (NRR), cost them a spot in the playoffs. However, under the new rules, captains will no longer face a one-match suspension for over-rate offences this season.
