“Don’t get banned” – Digvesh Rathi reveals chat with Rishabh Pant ahead of LSG vs DC IPL 2026 clash

Digvesh Rathi is all set for his second Indian Premier League (IPL) with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). This time, he will be the lead spinner of the team after Ravi Bishnoi’s exit ahead of the season. Digvesh Rathi, the spinner with aggression like a pacer, often takes the headlines for the wrong reasons. 

But it is necessary to remember that this rookie spinner clinched 14 scalps last season for an economy rate of 8.25. His spin variations, like the carrom ball, the googly, and the stump-to-stump line, troubled batters very much in the previous season. Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Jos Buttler, Shreyas Iyer, Ryan Rickelton, and Priyansh Arya are some of the key batters who went defenseless against the LSG prodigy.

 Why Digvesh Rathi is important for Lucknow Super Giants' fortune in IPL 2026

As the lead spinner of the team, Rathi will have to carry extra responsibilities on his shoulders this season. Ahead of their opening match of the ongoing IPL 2026, which will be against the Delhi Capitals at the Ekana Cricket Ground, the 26-year-old shares his personal chat with the skipper, Rishabh Pant, and the team management.

The management and the captain of LSG are well aware of the capabilities of their emerging bowler. But there always seems to be worry about his on-field gestures, which caused Rathi trouble on multiple occasions in IPL 2025. Umpires needed to intervene as batters got annoyed by the aggressive notebook celebration of Digvesh Rathi. Ahead of the LSG vs DC match, the team urges Rathi not to get banned. Without Rathi, the spin department of the team will lose a significant amount of strength.

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Digvesh Rathi shares a light-hearted conversation with Rishabh Pant

“The only thing Rishabh bhai and the management have told me is 'you continue being your most authentic self, but just don't get banned,'" Rathi told ESPNcricinfo.

The Delhi-born leg spinner does not believe in the concept of a lead spinner, but is aware of the responsibilities he needs to carry in this campaign.

“Last year, I bowled well, and Ravi bhai didn't have a great season. But in my mind, I never really believed in the concept of lead spinner or lead bowler or main bowler. I just believe in taking responsibility and delivering on it,” Rathi said in the interview.

"Whether it's Test cricket, ODIs, or T20s, a good ball will always be a good ball. If a batter can read you, he will play shots against you, so all you need to ensure is that you have a plan in your head when you have the ball in your hand at your run-up,” he added.

LSG’s bowling front is heavy in the presence of multiple pacers like Mohammed Shami, Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan, Anrich Nortje, and Mohsin Khan. But for the spin bowling, Digvesh Rathi is the only tweaker in the side on whom the side can rely. He will be supported by two other Indian spin-bowling all-rounders- Shahbaz Ahamad and Abdul Samad.