Cricket is a sport that thrives on moments of magic—those rare, jaw-dropping feats that leave fans and experts alike in awe. The latest to join this elite list is Lucknow Super Giants’ young leg-spinner, Digvesh Rathi, whose five wickets in five balls in a local T20 match has taken the cricketing world by storm. Even after the dust of IPL 2025 has settled, LSG owner Sanjeev Goenka is still buzzing about Rathi’s brilliance, sharing the viral video and celebrating the talent that made Rathi a breakout star this season
The Spell That Went Viral
In a local T20 game, Digvesh Rathi produced a spell for the ages. Facing a batting side already under pressure, Rathi tightened the screws with his deceptive spin and unerring accuracy. In a single over, he took five wickets in five consecutive deliveries—three clean bowled and two LBWs (though some replays suggest the LBWs were debatable). By the end of his spell, Rathi had claimed a staggering seven wickets for just 28 runs in 3.5 overs. The video of this remarkable performance quickly went viral, drawing reactions from fans, analysts, and even former cricketers.
From Local Hero to IPL Star
Rathi’s journey from local circuits to the IPL spotlight is a classic underdog story. Bought by Lucknow Super Giants for a modest sum, Rathi made his mark in IPL 2025 with 14 wickets in 13 matches at a respectable economy rate of 8.25. His ability to strike at crucial moments and keep the runs in check made him a key player for LSG, despite the team’s mid-table finish. Rathi’s performances were as much about his skill as his personality—his animated ‘notebook’ celebration after taking wickets became a talking point, even if it landed him in trouble with match officials and resulted in fines and a one-match suspension.
Why Sanjeev Goenka Can’t Stop Talking About Rathi
Sanjeev Goenka, owner of Lucknow Super Giants, couldn’t contain his excitement after stumbling upon the viral clip of Rathi’s five-in-five spell. Sharing the video on X, Goenka wrote: “Stumbled upon this clip of Digvesh Rathi taking 5 in 5 in a local T20 game. Just a glimpse of the talent that made him a breakout star for @LucknowIPL in IPL 2025.” The tweet encapsulates the sense of discovery and pride that franchise owners feel when unearthing a future star.
The Bigger Picture: What This Means for Indian Cricket
Rathi’s story is more than just a viral moment. It’s a reminder of the depth of talent in Indian cricket and the importance of local leagues in nurturing future stars. While the name of the league in which Rathi achieved this feat hasn’t been specified, the impact is undeniable. Former cricketer Yograj Singh, father of Yuvraj Singh, has even come out in support of Rathi’s expressive celebrations, urging officials to be more lenient with young players who wear their hearts on their sleeves.
The Road Ahead
With his skill, passion, and now a viral spell to his name, Digvesh Rathi is firmly on the radar of cricket fans and selectors. His ability to perform under pressure and his knack for making headlines—both for his bowling and his celebrations—suggest that this is just the beginning of what could be a glittering career. For Sanjeev Goenka and Lucknow Super Giants, Rathi’s rise is a testament to their scouting and faith in young talent.
In a sport where heroes are made in a single over, Digvesh Rathi has shown that true talent can’t be ignored—whether on the IPL stage or in the heart of local cricket.