Digvesh Rathi has picked up 14 wickets in 12 games for LSG in IPL 2025 — have they unearthed a star spinner in the making?
In a season marked by unexpected heroes, Digvesh Rathi has emerged as the standout discovery for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in IPL 2025. The 25-year-old leg-spinner, making his IPL debut, has been a revelation, delivering match-winning performances and earning the trust of captain Rishabh Pant in critical moments. The Delhi based spinner has filled a crucial gap in Lucknow’s bowling attack, especially following injuries to key bowlers like Mayank Yadav and Mohsin Khan.
Statistical overview
In 12 games this season, Rathi has taken 14 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 8.18 and a bowling average of 28.07. His ability to bowl across all phases of an innings has made him a captain’s dream and Pant’s trump card throughout the season.
What makes Rathi stand out?
What makes Digvesh Rathi stand out is his versatility and his ability to step up in key moments. He is not just limited to bowling in one phase of the game; he can bowl in the powerplay, middle overs, and even the death overs. This adaptability makes him a valuable asset for Pant.
Throughout the season, Pant has used Rathi as a trump card in situations where the team is struggling to break partnerships or pick up wickets. Rathi has consistently delivered, much like how Jasprit Bumrah is used for crucial moments in a match. In tight situations, Rathi’s ability to get wickets has often turned the game in their favour.
In the recent game against Sunrisers Hyderabad, things were looking tough. Pant turned to Rathi and he responded by taking two crucial wickets, including that of Abhishek Sharma. This is what makes him so important—not just his skill, but his knack for stepping up when needed most. Pant knows that when the match is at a standstill, Rathi is a reliable option to get a breakthrough.
Looking at the bigger picture, the team has played 12 games with just two remaining. Throughout this journey, the LSG spinner has been a consistent pillar of support, proving to be indispensable in helping the team navigate challenging situations and adapt to the evolving phases of each game.
Read More: IPL 2025: How did Mayank Yadav look in his comeback game for LSG
Breakthrough performance
Rathi’s breakthrough moment came during LSG’s match against Mumbai Indians on April 4, 2025. In his second IPL appearance, he delivered a match-winning spell, taking a wicket for 21 runs in 4 overs and was named Player of the Match. His dismissal of Naman Dhir, who was well-set at 46, proved pivotal in LSG’s 12-run victory. Rathi’s control and guile in the middle overs, conceding just 11 runs in his final two overs, were instrumental in containing Mumbai’s chase.
Bowling style and inspiration
Known for his mystery spin, Rathi draws inspiration from Kolkata Knight Riders’ spinner Sunil Narine. In a post-match interview, Rathi expressed his admiration for Narine’s attacking bowling style and his ability to deceive batters.
Rathi’s bowling arsenal includes a mix of carrom balls, googlies, and seam-up deliveries, delivered with precision and variation. His ability to turn the ball both ways and maintain consistent line and length has been praised by teammates and coaches.
His bowling action is characterised by its speed and deception. Standing tall, he generates bounce and pace, making it challenging for batters to pick his deliveries. Drawing inspiration from Narine, Rathi has developed a bowling style that combines aggression with subtle variations. This approach has made him a difficult bowler to face, especially for those encountering him for the first time.
Read More: IPL 2025: Who is CSK’s Urvil Patel, the hard-hitter from Gujarat
Rathi’s impressive & consistent debut season
In a side that had established spinners like Ravi Bishnoi, Rathi’s rise wasn’t guaranteed. Others like Manimaran Siddharth were tried, but it was Rathi who consistently delivered and stayed in the playing XI throughout the tournament.
Pant used him as the “go-get-me-a-wicket” bowler. And, Rathi answered every single time. Whether it was to break a partnership or choke the run-rate, he delivered — cool-headed and clinical.
The biggest achievement for a young cricketer in the IPL isn’t just taking wickets — it’s playing all matches in your very first IPL season, without getting dropped even once. In a high-pressure, high-churn environment like the IPL, Rathi’s ability to perform week after week speaks volumes of his skill, mindset, and maturity.
Conclusion
Digvesh Rathi might be known for his fun celebrations—like waving off a cheque or writing someone’s name in a notebook—but what really stands out is the way he bowls. He brings so much variety and handles pressure situations really well.
He’s a tall, quick, and an intelligent bowler with a deceptive style that makes him hard to pick—especially for first-time batters. Pant has used him smartly, maximising his impact. His strength lies in his variety: frequent googlies, the occasional carrom ball, and clever changes in pace. This unpredictability makes him a standout young talent poised to carry forward the legacy of mystery spin.
His raw pace, height, and skilful sharpness—combined with the trust shown in him by his captain—make him a standout prospect. If he continues to evolve, he could become a major force in international cricket.
Read More: Prasidh Krishna: The most improved player on show in IPL 2025
