Digvesh Rathi: The Mystery Spinner Lighting Up IPL 2025 with Lucknow Super Giants

In the high-octane world of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, one name is creating waves with his enigmatic bowling style and unflinching determination—Digvesh Rathi. The long-haired Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) spinner has become the talk of the town, captivating fans and critics alike with his frugal spells and match-turning wickets. Despite being penalized twice for his quirky ‘notebook’ celebration, Rathi remains focused on scripting a memorable season for himself and his franchise.

Here, we dive deep into the journey of this Delhi-born prodigy through an exclusive interview, uncovering the roots of his mystery spin, his struggles, and his aspirations in the world of cricket.

A Self-Taught Spinner with a Unique Flair

Rathi’s entry into the world of spin bowling wasn’t a conventional one. ‘I started as a batsman, but opportunities were scarce,’ he reveals. During his early days as a net bowler for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2024, Rathi found inspiration in the legendary Sunil Narine. ‘I’d watch Narine bowl and try replicating his techniques in the nets. That’s where I picked up most of my skills,’ he adds. Without formal coaching or a focus on basics, Rathi embraced the art of mystery bowling, a style he found both innovative and thrilling.

‘I never learned the fundamentals in a traditional sense. No one taught me. I found joy in outfoxing batsmen with unpredictable deliveries,’ Rathi explains. A pivotal moment came at a local complex in Dilshad Garden, Delhi, where a senior teammate, Robin Bisht, urged him to focus on bowling. ‘He told me I was meant to be a bowler, not a batsman. That’s when I truly started honing my craft,’ Rathi recalls.

Learning from Fellow Mystery Spinners

Rathi’s approach to mystery spin is a shared trait among practitioners of this rare art. Conversations with fellow spinners like Mujeeb Ur Rahman during a match against Mumbai Indians and Varun Chakravarthy during his stint with KKR have reinforced his belief. ‘We mystery spinners think alike. We discuss ideas, and it helps us evolve,’ he shares. This camaraderie has been vital in shaping his unorthodox yet effective style, despite skepticism from traditionalists who urged him to switch to conventional off-spin.

Defying Coaches and Critics

Rathi’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. ‘Everyone told me mystery spin wouldn’t work. Coaches insisted I bowl off-spin and aim for Ranji Trophy selection,’ he admits. However, Rathi resisted the pressure, disliking the predictability of off-spin in Delhi’s fast-paced cricket culture. ‘If you bowl off-spin here, batsmen target you for sixes after just 2-3 overs, no matter the pitch or ground,’ he explains. His persistence paid off, as his unique action remained untouched by coaches, allowing him to carve a niche for himself.

The Delhi Premier League: A Launchpad to Stardom

For Rathi and many aspiring cricketers in Delhi, the Delhi Premier League (DPL) has been a game-changer. ‘The DPL is a massive platform. If you can’t play domestic cricket for Delhi, performing here can get you noticed by IPL scouts,’ he says. Rathi’s haul of 14 wickets in the DPL caught the eye of talent hunters, paving the way for his IPL debut with LSG. ‘I felt I could’ve taken more wickets, but I’m grateful for the opportunity,’ he reflects.

Memorable Scalps and Tactical Brilliance

One of the standout moments of Rathi’s IPL 2025 campaign was dismissing his idol, Sunil Narine. ‘It was incredibly special. I had a strategic setup for him during the Powerplay, but I didn’t get to bowl then. Later, with the field spread out, it became easier to execute my plan,’ he shares. Another highlight was outsmarting Punjab Kings’ Priyansh Arya. Working with LSG coach Justin Langer and mentor Vijay Dahiya, Rathi crafted a new variation the night before the match. ‘I knew Priyansh could read my googly. So, I mixed a ball that moved away with a googly to get him out,’ he reveals with pride.

Living in the Moment

Despite the growing fame, Rathi remains grounded. ‘I just want to keep doing what I’m doing. I love learning new things and living in the moment,’ he says. Unlike many modern cricketers, he avoids dwelling on past performances or engaging with social media hype. ‘I don’t watch my own bowling or old matches. My focus is on performing for my team,’ he asserts.

As IPL 2025 unfolds, Digvesh Rathi is not just a rising star but a symbol of innovation in cricket. With his mystery spin bamboozling batsmen and his fearless attitude winning hearts, Rathi is poised to redefine spin bowling in the IPL. For now, fans can only wait and watch as this Delhi lad continues to weave his magic on the field, one unreadable delivery at a time.