Shresta Iyer, the sister of India batter Shreyas Iyer, has broken her silence after a wave of online trolling erupted in the wake of Punjab Kings’ elimination from IPL 2026. The backlash reignited around an older “banter” clip that resurfaced online, with critics claiming it was disrespectful, even as she insisted it was never meant to target anyone.
Key takeaways
- The trolling followed Punjab Kings’ IPL 2026 exit and a viral resurfacing of an old Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders “banter” reel.
- Shresta said her celebration video was intended as light-hearted fun connected to PBKS earning a point after rain disrupted their match versus KKR earlier in the season.
- She claimed the situation escalated beyond comments, with people allegedly contacting her workplace and troubling individuals tied to her professionally and personally.
- Shresta stressed that while she can handle criticism aimed at her, harassment involving family members, colleagues, and students is unacceptable.
- She defended her public support for her brother, saying she will celebrate him whether he wins or loses.
What sparked the backlash
The online backlash began after an earlier “banter” reel featuring Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders gained attention again. The renewed circulation came at a time when Punjab Kings narrowly missed qualification for the playoffs, finishing just one point behind the teams that made it through.
In the clip, Shresta is shown celebrating—something she linked to Punjab’s match against Kolkata Knight Riders being washed out by rain. She said the result had earlier helped Punjab Kings secure a point in the same season, and that the reel was simply meant as a playful nod to the moment.
Shresta’s response and her allegations
Speaking in an Instagram video, Shresta explained that the original reel had been exaggerated by viewers who interpreted it far more aggressively than intended. She said the purpose of the post was “just a fun banter,” and that it was not designed to attack any individual.
She further clarified that she was not trolling anyone and claimed she had no harmful intent behind the exchange. She also said she was not spreading hate, adding that she respects every cricketer because her brother is a cricketer.
Shresta then revealed that the trolling moved beyond online remarks. She alleged that people started contacting her workplace and troubling those connected to her in personal and professional ways.
“I pity you guys,” she said, describing what she claimed were calls made to her workplace, along with abusive messages directed at her colleagues, students, and even her family. She also said these actions included harassment and calls made at random times.
In her message, she drew a clear line between criticism directed at her and the escalation of harassment toward people around her. She said that if people want to dislike her, they should continue doing so—but stop targeting those affiliated with her.
She also defended her decision to celebrate Shreyas Iyer, emphasizing that her support is not conditional on match outcomes. “I will celebrate my brother, he wins or loses, I will always celebrate him,” she stated.
Toxic fan culture debate returns
The episode has once again reignited discussion about toxic fan behaviour in Indian cricket, where tempers sometimes flare online after major defeats. In such cases, players’ families can become unintended targets, turning disagreement into harassment.
Similar incidents have surfaced before, including recent online abuse connected to Virat Kohli and Australian batter Travis Head during a heated cricket exchange. Shresta’s comments add another chapter to the ongoing debate about how online fandom can cross boundaries and affect people beyond the game.
