Fine imposed on Digvesh Rathi’s celebration, but why is Virat Kohli left out?
New Delhi: Another new controversial issue has arisen in IPL 2025-is there a similar discipline for all players? This question has been raised by former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra. He has raised questions on Virat Kohli‘s aggressive celebration in IPL matches, and compared it with Digvesh Rathi‘s **Notebook Celebration’.
Fine on Digvesh Rathi’s celebration
Lucknow’s spin bowler Digvesh Rathi did a unique and creative ‘Notebook Celebration’ which became quite famous among IPL fans. But BCCI considered it a lack of discipline and forced him to pay the fine twice. He paid the fine the first time and had to pay it the second time too. But when Rathi wanted to celebrate for the third time, due to fear of fine he celebrated by writing on the ground.
Why doesn’t Virat Kohli get a fine?
Aakash Chopra has raised a question on the new rules of IPL that when Digvesh Rathi is fined, why is no action taken on Virat Kohli’s aggressive celebration? After winning the match against Punjab Kings, Kohli celebrated loudly looking at Punjab captain Shreyas Iyer, which was considered quite aggressive. But no punishment was imposed on him.
Aakash Chopra said, “It is difficult to understand that some players get punishment immediately and some get away. In IPL, discipline should be same for everyone.”
Allegations of double standards on BCCI
This is not the first time in IPL that a player has been fined and not the other. IPL fans are also discussing this issue on social media. Some people believe that BCCI treats some star players differently, while there is a practice of giving immediate fine to new or less popular players.
Dhoni’s example was given
Aakash Chopra also gave the example of MS Dhoni, who had to pay a 50% fine for coming on the ground during a match. But Kohli’s aggressive nature never faces any punishment. Is this fair? Now IPL fans are also raising this question on social media.
Same discipline is necessary for all players
Aakash Chopra says that discipline should be same for all players. Be it Rohit Sharma or Ayush Badoni, everyone should follow the same rules. If a player’s celebration is punishable, then the same rule should be applied for the other as well.
Now we have to see whether BCCI gives any clarification on this issue or not. Digvesh Rathi and Virat Kohli’s case has raised new questions about fairness in IPL.
This article has been written keeping in mind the current discussion. What do you think—was injustice done to Digvesh Rathi?