Lucknow Super Giants spinner Divesh Rathi has been suspended for the team’s final league-stage match after accumulating more demerit points from a Code of Conduct breach following a tussle with Sunrisers Hyderabad opener Abhishek Sharma at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Monday.
He was also fined 50% of his match fees for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct during Monday’s high-octane clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
The tournament organizers confirmed that Rathi had committed a Level 1 offence for the third time this season, tallying five demerit points that warrant a one-match suspension.
“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 1st April 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 – against Gujarat Titans on 22nd h May, in Ahmadabad for Level 1 breaches of the Code of Conduct, the Match Referee’s decision is final and binding,” the statement from IPL read.
The incident occurred in the eighth over of SRH’s chase, with Abhishek Sharma in blistering form, having smashed 59 off just 19 deliveries. With the Sunrisers cruising at 99/1, LSG captain Rishabh Pant turned to Rathi for a breakthrough — and the spinner delivered, inducing a catch to extra cover. But what followed marred the moment.
As Abhishek walked off, Rathi gave him a fiery send-off, complete with an intense glare. Abhishek, visibly provoked, turned back and walked towards the bowler. The two exchanged words before being separated by the umpire and the LSG fielders.
Abhishek, too, was penalized — fined 25% of his match fees for his reaction.
