Digvesh Rathi suspended for Gujarat Titans clash after heated exchange with Abhishek Sharma

Digvesh Rathi suspended for Gujarat Titans clash after heated exchange with Abhishek Sharma

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) spinner Digvesh Rathi has been suspended for his team’s next match against Gujarat Titans after accumulating five demerit points. He has also been fined 50% of his match fees for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct during Monday’s high-octane clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

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 LSG fielders.

Rathi’s five demerit points this season are under Article 2.5 of the IPL Code of Conduct. Four points equal a one-match suspension. With demerit points staying on record for 36 months, Rathi must stay cautious — eight points trigger a two-game ban, and 11 lead to a three-match suspension.

Abhishek, too, was penalised — fined 25% of his match fees for his reaction.