Punjab Kings (PBKS) heartbreaking exit from the IPL 2026 playoff race has sparked fresh social media controversy, with Shreyas Iyer’s sister Shresta finding herself at the center of online discussions. Following PBKS elimination from the tournament, an old social media clip involving fan banter resurfaced online and quickly began circulating widely again.
As reactions intensified across platforms, Shresta eventually broke her silence and responded publicly to the situation, calling out the behaviour directed toward her and people associated with her.
Shresta Iyer breaks silence on online trolling
In an Instagram video, Shresta clarified that the viral reel was never created with malicious intent and was simply meant as playful IPL banter. She expressed disappointment over the way the situation had spiraled after PBKS’ playoff hopes ended. While addressing the trolls, she urged users to stop involving innocent people connected to her professionally and personally.
“The video that I had created earlier, you guys exaggerated it to extremes, when the motive of the reel was just a fun banter. I wasn’t trolling anyone, I had no bad intentions behind the banter. I wasn’t spreading hate against anyone. I respect every cricketer because my brother is a cricketer. You have been calling my workplace, abusing me, my colleagues, my students and my family. Harassing them and calling at random times. If you want to hate me, please continue doing that, but stop harassing people affiliated with me. I will celebrate my brother, he wins or loses, I will always celebrate him,” Shresta said.
Shresta Iyer, sister of Shreyas Iyer, has shared a detailed clarification video addressing the trolling and backlash surrounding her recent social media posts.
She explained that the videos were intended purely as light-hearted banter and fun content, adding that there was no… pic.twitter.com/XhWzaF7KFG
— Cricketopia (@CricketopiaCom) May 25, 2026
PBKS fall agonisingly short of IPL 2026 playoffs
Punjab Kings remained firmly in the playoff race for most of the IPL 2026 season but were eventually knocked out after Rajasthan Royals (RR) win over Mumbai Indians (MI) confirmed their elimination. PBKS missed qualification by just a single point, making the ending even more painful for fans and players alike.
Under Shreyas‘s leadership, Punjab produced several impressive performances throughout the campaign, with Arshdeep Singh remaining one of the team’s key players despite facing repeated trolling and criticism on social media over multiple off-field controversies during IPL 2026. However, Punjab ultimately failed to secure enough consistency during the closing phase of the league stage.
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