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"Ticket Collector And...": Rishabh Pant Draws Laughs As Rathi Meets His Idol Narine

Soumyajit Dutta

Digvesh Rathi and Sunil Narine [Source: @KKRiders/X]Digvesh Rathi and Sunil Narine [Source: @KKRiders/X]

In a heartwarming video that went viral, Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) rookie spinner Digvesh Singh Rathi finally met his childhood idol, Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) Sunil Narine, during a joint practice camp ahead of their IPL 2025 clash. 

The interaction, facilitated by LSG captain Rishabh Pant, blended inspiration with humour, encapsulating Rathi’s unconventional journey from Delhi’s club circuits to rubbing shoulders with legends.

Pant Introduces Digvesh To Narine

Pant, grinning as he introduced Digvesh Rathi to Narine, gestured toward the West Indian and quipped, “Here he is…” before Nicholas Pooran jokingly asked Rathi, “Everyday he is saying about you, so tell me something, He [Narine] doesn’t celebrate, why do you celebrate?” 

The shy Rathi hesitated, prompting Pant to lighten the mood, “Digvesh is a ticket collector, and Narine is a wicket collector!” The remark drew laughter from the group, including a smiling Narine.

Digvesh's Dream Come True Moment

The meeting was a full-circle moment for Rathi, 25, who modelled his bowling on Narine’s mystery spin, and confessed about the West Indian being his role model. 

Rathi's economy-first approach, inspired by Narine’s carrom ball and disguised variations, earned him 14 wickets in the 2023 Delhi Premier League and an INR 30 lakh IPL contract with LSG.

Rathi's Rise In IPL 2025

Rathi’s journey mirrors Sunil Narine’s early anonymity. Starting as an off-spinner with a lethal carrom ball, he added a googly after studying Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga. 

The tweak transformed him into a wicket-taker, catching LSG’s eye. Now, with just three sixes conceded in four IPL 2025 games, Rathi has emerged as LSG’s surprise weapon, filling the void left by Ravi Bishnoi’s inconsistent form.