Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh has landed in hot water after a video of him teasing teammate Tilak Varma went viral on social media. In the clip, Arshdeep can be heard saying, “Oye Andhere, sunscreen lagaaya?” (Hey dark one, did you apply sunscreen?) — a remark he appeared to make in jest.
Here is the video of the incident:
https://x.com/Vipintiwari952/status/2054881139005829298
Click to watch this video on X
Arshdeep Singh, currently playing for Punjab Kings in the IPL 2026, is now facing heavy backlash online, with many accusing him of mocking Tilak Varma’s skin tone.
Former India spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan didn’t hold back, demanding a ban on Arshdeep. “Nobody believed me. Everyone mocked and trolled me. Arshdeep should be banned this season and should be paid on a pro rata basis. The players today should be hit where it hurts the most. I am sure I would be trolled again,” he posted on X.
https://x.com/LaxmanSivarama1/status/2055124021063364860
His reaction carries personal weight. Laxman Sivaramakrishnan had earlier revealed facing racism from his own India teammates. At just 17, during India’s tour of Pakistan, the then-captain Sunil Gavaskar arranged a cake to celebrate the youngster’s inclusion. But the moment turned sour when a teammate remarked — “Hey Sunny, you ordered the right colour cake. Such a dark chocolate cake for a dark boy.”
Laxman Sivaramakrishnan went on to represent India in 9 Tests and 16 ODIs between 1983 and 1987, claiming 41 wickets including three five-wicket hauls, before becoming a respected commentator.
