Punjab Kings’ IPL 2026 journey ended in heartbreak after Rajasthan Royals defeated Mumbai Indians, officially knocking PBKS out of the playoff race by a single point. The team had started the season strongly but lost six matches in a row and their final win against Lucknow Super Giants was not enough to secure qualification.
Following the team’s exit, Shreyas Iyer’s sister Shresta Iyer became the target of heavy online trolling. Earlier in the season, during PBKS’ good run of form, she had featured in a fun social media reel with members of the franchise’s media team. The video jokingly referenced Kolkata Knight Riders receiving one point after a rain-hit match ended without a result.
Although the reel was meant as casual humour, several users reacted aggressively online. Shresta Iyer later addressed the issue on Instagram, explaining that the video was created only for entertainment and was never intended to insult any player, team or supporters.
She said there was no harmful intention behind the clip and stressed that she respects all the cricketers, especially because of her close connection to the sport through her brother Shreyas Iyer. According to her, being part of a cricketing family has made her aware of the pressure and criticism professional players regularly experience.
However, the matter reportedly escalated beyond social media. Shresta Iyer claimed that some people began contacting her workplace and disturbing individuals connected to her personally and professionally. She alleged that colleagues, students and family members were also subjected to harassment and abusive behaviour.
While condemning the actions of the trolls, she urged people to avoid dragging others into online outrage related to cricket. Shresta Iyer also made it clear that her support for her brother would remain unchanged, regardless of victories or defeats on the field.
The controversy surfaced only hours after another incident involving online abuse in cricket. Travis Head’s wife recently revealed that she had received rape threats following the Australian cricketer’s on-field altercation with Virat Kohli.
Fans should never cross the limits and those who cross the limits should be punished. What is your opinion in this regard?
