Digvesh Rathi, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) spinner who made headlines during the IPL 2025 season, is once again in the spotlight. This time, it's not just for his bowling prowess but for a viral video showcasing an extraordinary feat: taking five wickets in five consecutive balls in a local T20 match. The video has caught the attention of fans and even LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka, who lauded Rathi as the team's "breakout star" of the season.
Rathi's journey to IPL stardom wasn't without its bumps. The young spinner, known for his "notebook" celebration, faced a one-match suspension from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) due to repeated breaches of the IPL Code of Conduct. These breaches reportedly stemmed from his expressive celebrations after taking wickets, which were deemed excessive. One particular incident involved a heated exchange with Sunrisers Hyderabad batter Abhishek Sharma, leading to intervention from umpires and teammates.
Despite the suspension, Rathi's talent shone brightly in his debut IPL season. Signed by LSG for a modest sum of INR 30 lakh in the mega auction, he quickly established himself as a key member of the team's bowling attack. In 13 matches, Rathi scalped 14 wickets with a decent economy rate of 8.25, making him the team's highest wicket-taker. His ability to deliver breakthroughs and maintain control in a high-scoring tournament earned him accolades from cricket experts and fans alike.
The viral video of Rathi's five wickets in five balls dates back to a local T20 match played in February 2025, prior to the start of the IPL season. The spell was a masterclass in spin bowling, featuring a combination of clean bowled dismissals and leg-before-wicket (LBW) decisions. According to reports, four of the wickets were bowled, and one was an LBW. Rathi ended the match with impressive figures of 7/28.
Sanjiv Goenka, seemingly unaware of the video until recently, shared the clip on social media, expressing his admiration for Rathi's talent. "Stumbled upon this clip of Digvesh Rathi taking 5 in 5 in a local T20 game. Just a glimpse of the talent that made him a breakout star for @LucknowIPL in IPL 2025," Goenka wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Rathi's bowling style has drawn comparisons to mystery spinners like Sunil Narine and Rashid Khan. His ability to deceive batsmen with subtle variations in pace and spin, combined with his accuracy, makes him a potent weapon in the T20 format. Beyond his bowling skills, Rathi's unique personality and expressive celebrations have made him a popular figure among fans, adding to his appeal as a potential star in the making. It remains to be seen if Rathi's performances will earn him a place in the national team.
