An intense on-field clash between Sunrisers Hyderabad opener Abhishek Sharma and Lucknow Super Giants spinner Digvesh Rathi disrupted the high-stakes IPL 2025 match at Ekana Stadium. The altercation erupted in the 8th over after Abhishek, who had been dominating with a fiery 59-run knock, was dismissed by Rathi — sparking a heated exchange that required umpire intervention.

Abhishek Sharma was caught by Shardul Thakur while attempting a big shot off Digvesh Rathi. As soon as the wicket fell, Rathi celebrated with his trademark — and widely debated — 'notebook celebration', miming a gesture of jotting down something in an imaginary notebook. He then allegedly gestured for Abhishek to “leave the field,” which visibly infuriated the SRH batter.

What followed was a tense face-off. Abhishek, angered by the taunt, turned back and walked toward Rathi. The two got dangerously close, with words exchanged before the on-field umpires and LSG skipper Rishabh Pant stepped in to defuse the situation. Abhishek eventually walked off the field, visibly fuming.

This is not the first time Digvesh Rathi’s celebration has stirred controversy. The young spinner has already been fined twice this season for breaching the IPL’s code of conduct with similar antics. Despite the BCCI issuing more relaxed guidelines around player celebrations, Rathi’s gestures continue to test the limits of acceptable on-field behavior.

Following this incident, the IPL governing body may now take disciplinary action — potentially against both players — for violating the spirit of the game. While Rathi’s celebration is again under the scanner, Abhishek's aggressive response could also lead to a fine or warning.

The incident has sparked debates among fans and pundits alike about sportsmanship, player conduct, and where the line should be drawn between passion and provocation in modern cricket.

Whether further penalties will be issued remains to be seen, but this flashpoint certainly added another layer of drama to an already action-packed IPL 2025 season.