[Watch]: “Bahut tagda kra…”: Rishabh Pant Steps In As Translator For Player Of The Match Digvesh Rathi Against MI

Digvesh Rathi wasn’t a household name before Friday. But by the end of Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) high-pressure match against the five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI), the young leg-spinner had announced himself in style. With a breathtaking spell of 4-0-21-1, Rathi not only helped LSG to a much-needed 12-run win but also turned heads with his attacking mindset. And interestingly, he credits none other than Sunil Narine for this transformation.

Breakthrough Performance Against Mumbai Indians

He gave away just 21 runs in four overs — an exceptional feat in a match where his bowling partners were getting smacked all over the park. His spell stood out like a lighthouse in a storm. One of the most defining moments in the game was the dismissal of Naman Dhir. The MI batter was in beast mode, hammering 46 off just 24 balls with 4 boundaries and 3 sixes. It looked like he would take the game away single-handedly.

After a quick strategic conversation with his captain, Rishabh Pant, Rathi decided to target the stumps instead of setting a fielder at mid-wicket. He gambled. It paid off. Dhir tried to go for the big shot, missed, and Rathi had his moment.

Rishabh Pant as translator

During the post-match presentation, Rathi brought his skipper Rishabh Pant along as a translator. Pant translated Rathi’s thoughts to Ian Bishop, and that moment perfectly captured the team chemistry. Especially when Rathi mentioned how Pant didn’t agree to a mid-wicket fielder, and that shaped his plan to bowl stump-to-stump.

“Before that over, I had a chat with you (Pant). I wanted a fielder at mid-wicket but the skipper did not give that. That’s why I wanted to bowl it at the stumps as I knew he will play that shot,” said Digvesh.

Absolutely the best part of #LSGvMI match 😁
Rishabh Pant translates Ian Bishop's questions to Digvesh Singh in his own style 🤣
End mein Ian tells plz convey how much we appreciate the young man…top game…Pant to Digvesh – bahot tagda kara 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/4OpEJa67RS

— Komal (@Komal_Indian) April 4, 2025

Inspiration from Sunil Narine

So, where did this cool-headed, aggressive approach come from? Narine has been the gold standard for mystery and control in the IPL. Narine doesn’t panic. Ever. And that’s what Rathi is learning. Watching Narine over the years gave him a blueprint of how to handle high-pressure situations without losing your head.

“Since the time I watched Sunil Narine bowl, I started enjoying my bowling. I want to be more attacking in terms of mindset like Sunil Narine has been over the years. He stays very calm in pressure situations and I want to work on that and be like that,” said Digvesh.

Rathi’s Transition to an Attacking Bowler

What’s striking is how Rathi has reshaped his bowling mindset. He doesn’t just want to survive an over — he wants to own it. That’s a Sunil Narine effect right there. Playing safe has been swapped for playing smart and brave.

“Yes, I am enjoying the way I am performing. I like to attack the batter. I like to take wickets whenever I bowl,” said Digvesh after receiving Player of the Match.

LSG’s 12-run win over Mumbai Indians helped them move to sixth place in the IPL points table.

Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.