April 5, 2025: Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has lauded Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) uncapped leg-spinner, Digvesh Rathi, for his impressive performance in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Rathi’s remarkable bowling spell against Mumbai Indians (MI) caught everyone’s attention as he delivered a spell of 1/21, the most economical among both sides.
Rathi’s impressive bowling style and consistent control over length made him a standout performer in a high-scoring match. He was especially praised for his ability to keep Mumbai’s star-studded batting line-up in check. In a game where nearly 200 runs were posted, Rathi restricted Mumbai to just 21 runs in his four overs, a rare feat in such conditions.
Watson, speaking on JioHotstar, was quick to point out the young spinner’s confidence and control. “It seemed like he was born to perform on this IPL stage. He wasn’t reserved; he was out there, beating his chest, showing confidence, and executing beautifully,” Watson said. “What stands out about Digvesh is how simple he keeps his game. He runs in, uses his variations— the carrom ball and off-spinner—but his control over length is what makes him so dangerous. When a bowler gets the length right, it’s tough for batters to step out or go on the back foot.”
Rathi’s impact was felt most when he dismissed Naman Dhir, who had been playing a blistering knock for MI. In the ninth over, Rathi picked up Dhir with a delivery that crashed into the stumps after a slight inside edge, sending the MI batter back for a well-made 46 off just 24 balls. This crucial wicket shifted the momentum in favor of LSG, forcing Mumbai to rethink their chase of the daunting 204-run target.
“What’s remarkable is that in a high-scoring game, where nearly 200 runs were posted, he conceded just 21 runs in his four overs—that’s something very, very special,” Watson added. “It’s the kind of impact we usually see from a bowler like Sunil Narine. That’s why he was the Man of the Match—performances like this don’t happen often.”
Rathi also attracted attention for his controversial celebration after dismissing Dhir, which resembled a gesture for which he was previously fined 25% of his match fee during a clash against Punjab Kings. Despite the fine, Rathi’s confidence and flair were clear as he celebrated his wicket with a memorable move that added to his growing reputation.
Along with Rathi’s magical spell, Shardul Thakur’s veteran experience played a pivotal role in the victory. With Mumbai needing 29 runs off 12 balls, LSG captain Rishabh Pant turned to Thakur, who delivered a brilliant penultimate over. Thakur, focusing on yorkers, managed to keep MI’s key players, Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma, quiet, conceding only seven runs in the over. His performance at a critical stage helped seal LSG’s 12-run victory.
“Shardul executed brilliantly. He knew he had to commit to his yorker. Typically, bowlers rely on changes of pace early on, but that just wasn’t working tonight. So, he focused on nailing his yorkers, especially against an in-form Hardik Pandya,” Watson said. “Bowling a seven-run over at such a crucial stage, with Hardik at the crease, was special.”
Thakur’s confidence was evident as he responded well to the pressure, especially considering that he had gone unsold at the IPL auction and was later picked up as a free agent. “It’s a big confidence booster for him. You can see how determined he is to prove himself, and he delivered two strong performances that played a major role in LSG getting over the line,” Watson added.
The game saw remarkable individual performances, with Rathi and Thakur playing significant roles in Lucknow Super Giants’ narrow victory. With such talents emerging in the IPL, the future of Indian cricket looks promising, and players like Rathi are expected to continue making their mark in the tournament.