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"What Nonsense Is This?" Yograj Singh Defends Digvesh Rathi’s Notebook Celebration

Sakshi Sharma

Yograj Singh on Digvesh Rathi (Source:@Vipintiwari952,x.com)Yograj Singh on Digvesh Rathi (Source:@Vipintiwari952,x.com)

Former Indian cricketer Yograj Singh has come in support of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) spinner Digvesh Singh Rathi after the latter faced repeated fines and a suspension during the IPL 2025 season for his now-famous 'notebook' celebration.

Rathi was fined on three occasions and even-handed a one-match suspension for his celebratory antics after taking wickets in IPL 2025. However, Yograj Singh has now come forward to defend the 25-year-old, calling the punishments excessive and unnecessary.

Yograj Singh Slams IPL For Fining Digvesh Rathi

In an exclusive interview with InsideSport, Yograj lashed out at the strict disciplinary action taken against him. The former cricketer have also urged officials to show more understanding toward young players.

“Come on man, don’t fine them. It’s okay. You are still friends with the bowlers. Everybody is not the same. Emotions go. Forgive them. Obviously, at the end of the day, you’re friends, if you say sorry, the matter is over. Have a big heart and don’t get into these petty things. What is this nonsense going on, fining kids,” Yograj Singh said on Inside Sports.

The former cricketer emphasised that aggressive celebrations and sledging have always been part of the game, and cited past incidents where far worse behaviour was overlooked.

Yograj also highlighted the inconsistencies in how players are penalized today versus the past in Cricket. Recalling an incident involving Steve Waugh and Yuvraj Singh, Yograj said Waugh sledged Yuvraj after the latter was hit by the ball, yet no action was taken. 

Rathi’s Notebook Celebration In IPL 2025

Digvesh Rathi’s “notebook” celebration, quickly became a trending moment in IPL 2025. However, it soon turned controversial. The first time Rathi marked an imaginary tick in a notebook was after dismissing Priyansh Arya. Due to this he earned one demerit point and was also fined. 

He repeated it against MI after dismissing Naman Dhir and received two more demerit points and another fine. Against SRH, Rathi’s celebration after dismissing Abhishek Sharma led to a heated exchange. This time, he was fined 50% of his match fee and received two more demerit points leading to one-match suspension.