He mimed writing something in an invisible notebook—and suddenly, the cricket world was buzzing. If you’ve ever wondered what is notebook celebration, you’re not alone. This quirky gesture has gained attention through Digvesh Rathi’s unique take on it, turning into an iconic celebration in cricket filled with drama and strong reactions.
𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 : Lucknow Super Giants’ Digvesh Rathi has been suspended for the clash vs Gujarat Titans on May 22 in Ahmedabad after accumulating 5 demerit points this season 🚫🏏
He’s also been fined 50% of his match fees following his recent on-field conduct✅ pic.twitter.com/CcbMjMf3sQ
— CricketGully (@thecricketgully) May 20, 2025
Recently, during an IPL 2025 match, Digvesh Rathi used his signature notebook celebration after dismissing a key batsman. What seemed like a light-hearted tribute soon sparked tension on the field. The incident between Rathi and Abhishek Sharma led to fines, warnings, and a heated debate about sportsmanship.
🚨 DIGVESH RATHI SUSPENDED. 🚨
– Digvesh has been fined 50% of his match fees and received a math’s suspension due to demerit points.#LSGvSRH pic.twitter.com/2VEFa4NZFE
— Rohit Yadav (@rohit_yadav0506) May 20, 2025
Contents
The IPL Showdown：Digvesh Rathi vs Abhishek Sharma
In a high-stakes match between Lucknow Super Giants and Sunrisers Hyderabad, spinner Digvesh Rathi claimed a crucial wicket. His follow-up gesture—the now-famous Digvesh Rathi’s notebook celebration—has become recognized as an iconic celebration in cricket. However, after Abhishek Sharma’s aggressive innings, this move didn’t sit well. Their confrontation escalated quickly, requiring the umpires to step in.
🚨 DIGVESH RATHI SUSPENDED. 🚨
– Digvesh has been fined 50% of his match fees and suspended Vs GT. pic.twitter.com/3oWrtXBE4q
— Tata IPL 2025 Commentary (@IPL2025Auction) May 20, 2025
The BCCI responded by penalizing both players, showing how seriously they viewed the incident. Rathi was fined half his match fee and received demerit points that triggered a suspension. Sharma was also fined and penalized. This clash brought fresh attention to the question: what is notebook celebration and why does it provoke such strong reactions?
Related Article：2025 LSG vs SRH Highlights：Abhishek Goes Ballistic
What Is Notebook Celebration？
To answer the recurring question, it’s a post-dismissal gesture where a bowler pretends to jot something in an invisible notebook, symbolizing the “crossing off” of the batter’s name. First made famous by West Indies pacer Kesrick Williams, this iconic celebration in cricket has since been picked up by bowlers around the world.
In the case of Digvesh Rathi, the act is more than just theatrics—it’s a tribute to his idol, Sunil Narine. But while Digvesh Rathi’s notebook celebration is rooted in admiration and confidence, it’s also been perceived as arrogance and provocation, especially when tensions run high on the field. And therein lies the problem with this celebration: it walks a fine line between flair and disrespect.
Why Is Notebook Celebration Controversial？
Although cricket has seen many expressive wicket celebrations, what is notebook celebration has sparked more controversy than most. Part of the reason is how personal it can feel. Digvesh Rathi’s notebook celebration often follows dismissals of key batters in high-pressure situations. Earlier this season, Rathi used the same celebration after removing Priyansh Arya of Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians’ Naman Dhir, both of which earned him fines.
A blow-by-blow account of how the tiff between Digvesh Rathi and Abhishek Sharma started and ended in #LSGvsSRH #IPL2025 game. https://t.co/wKxx2mIJE9 pic.twitter.com/s8nToU420s
— Express Sports (@IExpressSports) May 19, 2025
But the boiling point came against Abhishek Sharma, whose blistering innings made the post-dismissal mockery sting even more. The incident reignited debates about the nature of sportsmanship and whether such acts cross the line. Even Kesrick Williams, the originator of the move, faced backlash—most notably during his face-off with Virat Kohli in a T20I. Clearly, what is notebook celebration means different things to different people. For some, it’s an iconic celebration in cricket; for others, it’s an unnecessary jab.
In Conclusion：A Gesture or a Jab？
So, the celebration—flair or foul? As cricket evolves into a blend of tradition and entertainment, Digvesh Rathi’s notebook celebration has become a lightning rod for debate. For some, it’s an iconic celebration in cricket that adds drama and personality to the game. For others, it’s a sign of poor sportsmanship.
Whatever your take, Digvesh Rathi’s notebook celebration has made one thing clear: players aren’t the only ones taking notes. Umpires, fans, and officials are watching closely, and as this celebration continues to dominate headlines, the question remains: where should cricket draw the line between self-expression and provocation? Because while Rathi may be ticking names in his imaginary notebook, the world of cricket is keeping score, too.
