Lucknow Super Giants spinner Digvesh Rathi has been suspended for one match following an intense on-field incident with Sunrisers Hyderabad opener Abhishek Sharma. The clash took place on May 19 at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow.

Prior Warnings Ignored

Rathi had previously received warnings and financial penalties for his animated celebration. However, he did not stop the behavior. Instead, he altered it slightly. Despite the change, he violated the IPL Code of Conduct again during the match against Hyderabad. As a result, he will miss the next match against Gujarat Titans. Additionally, the IPL fined him 50% of his match fee, while Abhishek received a 25% fine for his role in the altercation.

Verbal Clash After Wicket

The confrontation occurred during the eighth over of Hyderabad’s chase of 207 runs. Abhishek started strong, hitting a quickfire 50 off just 18 balls. He scored 59 runs before Rathi dismissed him. After the wicket, Rathi performed his trademark book-signing celebration.

This celebration angered Abhishek, who walked toward Rathi. In response, Rathi exchanged words with him. Soon, things escalated. Match umpires had to step in as LSG teammates pulled the two players apart. Before leaving the field, Abhishek also made a hair-pulling gesture toward Rathi, which added to the controversy.

Heated Words Post-Match

After the game ended, both players continued arguing during the handshake ritual. LSG’s Vijay Dahiya, present at the moment, urged them to move on.

Hyderabad Clinch Victory, Lucknow Knocked Out

Meanwhile, Sunrisers Hyderabad defeated Lucknow Super Giants by six wickets. Abhishek’s explosive start set the tone. Later, Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klaasen, and Kamindu Mendis helped finish the chase.

This win marked Hyderabad’s fourth victory in the season. On the flip side, Lucknow’s defeat officially ended their playoff hopes. Now, either Mumbai Indians or Delhi Capitals will join Gujarat Titans, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Punjab Kings in the top four.