Lucknow Super Giants’ newest rookie sensation, Digvesh Rathi, is not only getting attention for his tight bowling in the IPL but also for his “notebook” celebration. But there is a story behind the spotlight that has been one of iron will, family sacrifices and a rocky path to the top.
Rathi didn’t come up through big-name academies or with a cricketing godfather. In fact, his family was once told to leave Delhi altogether because they couldn’t afford to stay. But the Rathi family chose to stick it out.
“Digvesh had no godfather, we had no money or connections. People told us to move out of Delhi. Par bhag kyun jaye? (But why should we run?),” said his older brother Sunny, a constable at Mandoli Prison.
Digvesh started out wanting to be a batter, but with limited net time and no recognition, most bowlers didn’t want to bowl to him. Some even refused to use their own cricket balls on a kid no one had heard of. So Sunny stepped in.
“I used to bowl to him for hours. But when you’re facing just one bowler all the time, it only takes you so far,” he said.
Eventually, Digvesh switched to spin bowling, drawing inspiration from West Indies star Sunil Narine. His new craft — and work ethic — paid off.
Former India wicketkeeper Vijay Dahiya spotted him and brought him into his academy. The turning point came in the Delhi Premier League, where Digvesh bagged 14 wickets for the South Delhi Superstarz.
That performance earned him a spot with the Lucknow Super Giants, who picked him up for ₹30 lakh. His trademark celebration has even drawn fines from the BCCI, but fans love it — and he’s here to stay.
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