Punjab Kings’ speedster Arshdeep Singh is again facing backlash online during IPL 2026 after a Snapchat clip featuring him with Priyansh Arya went viral. In the footage, which was reportedly shared from within the team setup, Arshdeep and teammate Harpreet Brar are seen teasing PBKS opener Priyansh about his smile while Priyansh appears to be checking his phone, prompting claims from some viewers that the exchange came across as mocking and made the batter uncomfortable.
Viral bus clip sparks criticism
- The video, said to have been uploaded on Snapchat, shows Arshdeep and Harpreet Brar riding the same bus with Priyansh Arya.
- Priors to the teasing moment, Priyansh is visible looking towards his phone.
- Arshdeep, seated opposite Priyansh, appears to comment on his smile, while Brar joins in with laughter.
- In the clip, Arshdeep is heard saying, “What a cutie, man! Smile for us, show us your teeth,” as Brar laughs along.
- Several social media users reacted negatively to Arshdeep’s tone, with many asserting that Priyansh looked uneasy during the exchange.
The backlash quickly gathered pace with comments ranging from accusations of bullying to broader criticism of Arshdeep’s on-camera behaviour. One user wrote that Arshdeep “thinks all this is funny when it’s clearly making others uncomfortable,” while another questioned why there was “so much hate” for the left-arm pacer, adding that he is still young and learning while carrying heavy expectations each match. A third reaction branded the behaviour as “arrogance” that was “annoying,” as the debate continued across platforms on May 22, 2026.
Not the first IPL 2026 social-media controversy
This latest episode follows earlier online controversies involving Arshdeep during IPL 2026. Previously, he had referred to Mumbai Indians’ Tilak Varma as “andhere” (darkness), a remark that drew criticism on social media due to perceived racial undertones.
Arshdeep also faced heat after an intense Snapchat interaction with a fan. In that instance, the fan urged him to stop using Punjab Kings’ name in the IPL, claiming it was causing embarrassment. Arshdeep responded sharply, saying: “What have you done for Punjab, Singh saab? People who still ask their family for chips and cold drink money are now advising me on Punjab?”
Form slump adds to scrutiny for Arshdeep
Beyond off-field chatter, Arshdeep’s on-field numbers have not been at their best. After winning the T20 World Cup 2026, the left-arm pacer has experienced a downturn in IPL 2026, taking 14 wickets in 13 matches. His wicket-taking has come with an average of 35 and an economy rate close to 10.
His struggle has coincided with a sharp slide for Punjab Kings. The franchise started strongly, winning six of their first seven matches, but then suffered a run of six consecutive defeats. With playoff qualification now hanging by a thread, the pressure has intensified on the team—and on Arshdeep—as the season heads deeper into its decisive phase.
