Arshdeep Singh finds himself in the spotlight for reasons beyond the cricket pitch as Punjab Kings’ slide continues, with the franchise extending a five-game losing run. The left-arm pacer’s recent social media clip—shot around the time of Punjab Kings’ upcoming meeting with Mumbai Indians—has gone viral and sparked a wave of backlash.
Key takeaways
- Arshdeep Singh faced criticism online after a Snapchat video circulated ahead of Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians.
- In the clip, he jokes about “sunscreen” while addressing Tilak Varma and then makes a comment about Naman Dhir.
- Despite Punjab’s mid-match momentum, Tilak Varma powered Mumbai Indians to a dramatic win, finishing unbeaten on 75.
- Mumbai Indians chased a target of 201, with the required rate rising sharply in the latter stages.
- After the match, Mumbai posted a pointed social media response referencing the “andhera” remark through a Channa Mereya-themed clip.
Viral social media remarks spark “casual racism” debate
The controversy centres on a video that Arshdeep uploaded to his own Snapchat account. In it, the pacer speaks to Tilak Varma and asks, “Oye Andhere, sunscreen lagaaya?”—a line that many viewers interpreted as an inappropriate dig.
The clip then shifts to Naman Dhir, Tilak’s teammate, whom Arshdeep refers to as the “real Noor” from Punjab. As the footage spread across platforms, users reacted strongly, questioning the tone of the exchange. With the video continuing to gather traction, the remarks drew wider debate, with some fans and observers describing the comments as “casual racism.”
Mumbai answer with a win as Tilak stays unbeaten on 75
While the off-field conversation grew louder, the on-field narrative still belonged to Mumbai Indians. Tilak Varma delivered a match-defining performance, helping the team secure a sensational victory after staying unbeaten on 75.
Chasing a demanding 201, Mumbai Indians lost a bit of momentum during the middle overs after a couple of quick dismissals at key moments. That brief spell brought Punjab Kings back into the contest, but Tilak kept his composure and ensured the chase remained within sight even as the required run rate climbed.
Tilak’s innings was powered by clean hitting and smart pacing. In total, he struck 6 sixes and 6 fours in a blistering 33-ball knock. As the innings entered the final overs, he accelerated decisively to finish the chase in style.
After the match, Mumbai Indians posted a response on social media aimed at Arshdeep’s “andhera” comment. The franchise shared a clip set to the popular Bollywood track “Channa Mereya,” using the line “Andhera tera maine le liya” in the background. The visuals featured Tilak stepping out of darkness while holding the post-match awards, including the Player of the Match trophy. The post drew immediate attention online, with fans quickly tying it back to the earlier remark and the growing buzz surrounding the incident.
Tilak’s pressure-hitting and Will Jacks’ support seals the chase
Tilak’s ability to thrive under pressure was on full display against PBKS at the death. He remained unbeaten on 75 off just 33 balls, and he received vital support from Will Jacks, who struck 25 not out from 10 deliveries.
The turning point arrived in the 18th over, with Mumbai Indians needing 50 runs from the last three overs. Tilak launched immediately, clearing the boundary with two sixes and a four, while Jacks added another boundary as Mumbai Indians piled on 22 runs in the over.
With 15 still required off the final over, Jacks struck first by clearing the ropes once. Tilak then took control, hammering back-to-back sixes to silence the Dharamsala crowd and complete the chase emphatically, sealing Mumbai’s win despite Punjab’s late momentum.
