Digvesh Rathi: The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has a new name making waves-Digvesh Singh Rathi. The 23-year-old mystery spinner from Delhi made an immediate impact on his debut for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their match against Delhi Capitals (DC) on March 24, 2025.

Rathi's first over in IPL cricket was a spectacle. His opening ball turned, the next skidded through, and by the third delivery, DC captain Axar Patel found himself clean-bowled, his stumps in disarray. It was a dream start for the young spinner, who later dismissed Vipraj Nigam to finish with figures of 2/31 in four overs.

From Delhi's Local Grounds to the IPL Stage

Rathi's rise to the IPL has been a story of perseverance. His breakthrough moment came in the Delhi Premier League (DPL) 2024, where he played for South Delhi Superstarz under the captaincy of Ayush Badoni. He claimed 14 wickets in 10 matches, finishing as the fifth-highest wicket-taker and earning a reputation for troubling even elite batters like Rishabh Pant.

His bowling style, often compared to West Indies star Sunil Narine, relies on variations rather than sharp turn. He deceives batters with bounce and subtle changes in flight, making him difficult to read. By the end of the DPL season, Rathi had caught the attention of IPL scouts.

A Budget Buy with Big Potential

At the IPL 2025 mega auction in Jeddah, Rathi was picked up by LSG for ₹30 lakh-a relatively low-profile purchase amid record-breaking spending. However, his selection was far from a gamble. His performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024, where he took 2/11 against Manipur, had already showcased his ability to thrive under pressure.

His inclusion in LSG's squad wasn't headline news at the time, but those who had followed his progress knew he had the skills to make an impact.

A Debut to Remember

LSG's clash against Delhi Capitals wasn't expected to be about Rathi. The focus was on KL Rahul's absence, LSG's weakened pace attack, and DC's high-profile signing, Rishabh Pant. But Rathi stole the show.

Introduced into the attack in the seventh over, he wasted no time making his mark. His delivery to Axar Patel-a mix of drift and skidding movement-left the DC captain stunned, his stumps rattled. It was a moment of brilliance, proving why LSG had backed him despite his limited T20 experience.

Later, he dismissed Mitchell Starc for just two runs, adding another big name to his tally. His ability to contain runs while taking wickets has already positioned him as a crucial player in LSG's spin-heavy attack.

What's Next for Digvesh Rathi?

With LSG placing their trust in a domestic-heavy bowling unit, Rathi could emerge as their second-choice spinner after Ravi Bishnoi. If his debut performance is any indication, the franchise has unearthed a genuine talent.

From playing in Delhi's dusty grounds to dismissing international stars in the IPL, Digvesh Rathi's journey has just begun. If he continues on this trajectory, he could soon be a household name in Indian cricket.