Kamal Ghorui
LUCKNOW: Digvesh Rathi grabbed everyone’s attention in the previous edition of IPL 2025 with his impeccable bowling and extravagant celebrations that led to censures and fines. There is no doubt that he will be under the scanner in IPl 2026 too, both for his skills and behaviour, but the mystery spinner remains committed to helping his team win their maiden title this year. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Speaking to TOI, Rathi said, “My preparation is the same as when I came to play the IPL for the first time. I think batsmen started reading me last year, so I have added a couple of more variations to my arsenal.” “Before playing the IPL for the first time, I hadn’t played many domestic matches. It was an advantage for me that I performed well in the previous edition as an unknown entity, but I am coming into this edition oozing with confidence.” On preparing for the big stage during the off-season, Rathi said, “There is no off-season or on-season for me. I was bowling in the nets, doing fitness drills, and going to the gym every day.” When asked what new things he has added to his arsenal, he said, “As a mystery spinner, I have worked on my length and pace. When the length is good, it becomes difficult for batsmen to hit the bowler. I had tried new variations, but my coaches stopped me and said to try them next year. Now, I have added one or two things to my existing variations.” “I have learnt everything from YouTube, and once I see something, I don’t forget it. I read batsmen by watching their batting videos and implement things by watching Varun Chakravarti’s bowling videos. LSG called me two months back, and I started working with newly appointed spin coach Carl Crowe. A mystery spinner learns on his own and needs a special coach who can further improve his skills, which LSG has given me,” he added. When asked what he had learned from Carl Crowe, he said, “Carl has worked a lot with Sunil Narine, so he knows what works best for a mystery spinner. He has also worked with players like Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarti, and Suyash. He has told me many things that I hadn’t thought about in that way in the game, but now I think about them and implement them, which is benefiting me.” When asked whether he will continue the same notebook celebration this time, he said, “Last time I was new, and I didn’t know how to celebrate while also respecting the opponent. I have gradually learned things, so I will definitely celebrate but I won’t disrespect anyone, no matter who the player is.”
