DPL 2025 Controversy: Digvesh Rathi's Aggressive Play Leads to turning point as Ankit Kumar Counter-attacks with two sixes - Video
The cricket world was abuzz with intrigue during the Delhi Premier League (DPL) 2025, as a heated altercation between Digvesh Rathi and Ankit Kumar added to the tension at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
The incident unfolded during a crucial match between South Delhi Superstarz and West Delhi Lions. Rathi, a right-arm spinner known for his aggressive demeanor and animated celebrations, attempted mind games during a mid-over, which led to a verbal spat with Ankit Kumar, the calm and composed opener for West Delhi Lions.
Rathi, who had yet to take a wicket in the tournament prior to this match, pulled out of his bowling action to observe Ankit’s trigger movement and then switched his bowling approach. This tactic led to Ankit stepping out, and Rathi verbally confronted him. Ankit, in response, hit two consecutive sixes off Rathi’s next over, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
The confrontation quickly went viral, becoming one of the most memorable moments of DPL 2025. As he returned to the crease, Ankit gestured the number two with his fingers, a subtle dig at Rathi's failed sledging attempt.
On-field, Rathi gave away 33 runs in 3 overs and failed to take a wicket in that game, possibly affected by the confrontation and batter’s strong reply. This is not the first controversy involving Digvesh Rathi; he had prior incidents in IPL 2025, and his confrontational style continues to attract attention, putting his on-field temperament under scrutiny.
The incident underscores the challenges of managing competitive aggression and on-field tactics without crossing into unsportsmanlike conduct. It serves as a reminder to players at all levels to combine skill with discipline to uphold cricket’s spirit.
The altercation has since become a talking point in the domestic cricketing circuit. The match against West Delhi Lions was critical for South Delhi Superstarz, and although they lost, the team has since shown signs of improvement.
Despite the controversy, the Rathi vs. Kumar saga is a testament to the passion and rivalry that thrive in cricket. However, there's a thin line between competitiveness and controversy, and players must strive to maintain the balance.
References: [1] News Article 1 [2] News Article 2 [3] News Article 3 [4] News Article 4 [5] News Article 5
The verbal spat between Digvesh Rathi and Ankit Kumar during the DPL 2025 added a layer of drama to the sport, making headlines across multiple news articles. The intense confrontation between the two players highlighted the importance of maintaining a balance between competitiveness and good sportsmanship in sports like cricket.
