A video featuring Punjab Kings pacer Arshdeep Singh and Mumbai Indians batter Tilak Varma has sparked fresh controversy online, with critics taking issue with a remark made in the clip. The backlash only intensified after MI chased down a tough target against PBKS in a last-ball thriller on May 15, 2026, and the match-day celebrations that followed brought the “andhera” comment back into focus.
Key takeaways
- Arshdeep Singh faced online criticism after a video showed him addressing Tilak Varma with a phrase containing “Oye, andhere” (roughly “Hey, darkness”).
- In the IPL match, Mumbai Indians beat Punjab Kings by six wickets in a finish that went down to the last delivery.
- Tilak Varma remained unbeaten on 75, striking six fours and clearing the ropes for six sixes to seal the chase with a ball to spare.
- Tilak received the Player of the Match award for his 75*.
- MI’s next-day post included a video with Bollywood-style lyrics referencing “andhera,” reigniting debate around Arshdeep’s comment.
Viral clip draws criticism
The trouble began when the social media video went viral “for the wrong reasons.” Arshdeep’s use of the phrase “Oye, andhere” while speaking to Tilak led to sharp reactions from multiple users, who argued that the wording carries racial undertones. Many of the comments focused on how the slang is commonly interpreted and why it can be offensive in context.
MI’s last-ball chase against PBKS
After the clip surfaced, MI produced a memorable response on the field. Mumbai Indians chased a 201-run target against Punjab Kings and, despite losing early wickets, kept their hopes alive. At one stage, the batting side slipped to 88 for 3 in 9.3 overs, putting pressure on the middle phase of the innings.
Tilak Varma then took charge. The left-handed batter stayed unbeaten on 75, delivering an innings packed with intent—six fours and the same number of sixes. His finishing ensured MI crossed the line with one ball remaining, securing a six-wicket victory in the thriller.
Because of the impact of his knock, Tilak was awarded the Player of the Match trophy.
Celebrations stoke the “andhera” conversation
Following the win, Mumbai Indians posted a video showing the batter holding his awards. The clip began in a darker visual before a brighter light was thrown on Tilak. In the background, lyrics were played that included the line: “Andhera tera maine le liya, mera ujla sitaara tere naam kiya,” a reference to a Bollywood song.
That celebration content, shared the next day, once again brought attention back to Arshdeep’s earlier “andhera” jibe, with many users revisiting the viral moment rather than focusing solely on the on-field result.
Tilak’s post-match thoughts
After the match, Tilak spoke about what helps him close out games and why experience matters. He said he has always enjoyed finishing, and that playing in the World Cup as well as a number of international matches for his country has taught him how to manage the final overs. He added that he continues to improve his game by drawing confidence from those situations.
Tilak also assessed the chase and the conditions. He explained that they were not sure the wicket would play the way it did because the ball seemed to move slightly slower and skid low, making timing difficult. He pointed out that Punjab struggled during the opening portion of the innings, particularly within the first 15 overs, and then credited Azmatullah (Omarzai) and Vishnu (Vinod) for helping PBKS build a strong total after that.
Looking back at MI’s approach, Tilak said the plan was to push the game as deep as possible. He described holding his shape, trusting his basics, and believing he could finish—summing up his mindset as he carried the chase to the end.
