Laxman Sivaramakrishnan, the former India spinner, has called for a tough disciplinary response against Punjab Kings’ fast bowler Arshdeep Singh after social media remarks that targeted Mumbai Indians batter Tilak Varma. The controversy has grown over the past few days, with Arshdeep facing heavy backlash for what many have branded as “casual racism,” escalating further after a Snapchat video featuring comments about Tilak and a subsequent reference to Tilak’s teammate Naman Dhir. Sivaramakrishnan says the sport’s governing bodies should act firmly, including a potential ban for the remainder of the tournament and payment terms on a pro-rata basis.
What Arshdeep Singh posted and why it sparked outrage
On the eve of Punjab Kings’ match against Mumbai Indians, Arshdeep uploaded a Snapchat clip in which he panned the camera toward Tilak Varma and asked, “Oye Andhere, sunscreen lagaaya?”—a line that roughly translates to “Hey, dark one, did you apply sunscreen?” The video did not end there; Arshdeep then shifted focus to Tilak’s teammate Naman Dhir, describing him as the “real Noor” from Punjab.
- Arshdeep’s Snapchat video included a direct remark aimed at Tilak Varma’s complexion.
- The clip later turned to Naman Dhir, with a comment framed as “real Noor.”
- The posts have since drawn widespread online reactions, with critics calling it “casual racism.”
Sivaramakrishnan urges a ban and pro-rata pay
Sivaramakrishnan has now reacted to the viral clip, pressing for formal action from the relevant authorities. He wants Arshdeep to be banned for the remainder of the season and also suggested that the player should be paid on a pro-rata basis.
The former spinner also argued that dismissing such language as harmless “dressing-room humour” is precisely why these issues keep resurfacing. He stressed that players should feel the consequences in the areas that matter most.
- Sivaramakrishnan wants Arshdeep banned for the rest of the tournament.
- He said the bowler should be paid on a pro-rata basis.
- He argued that treating colour-based remarks as jokes helps the problem continue.
His message on X and warning about naming others
Sivaramakrishnan followed up with additional posts, claiming that if a crackdown begins with current players, it could also open the door for deeper disclosures from his own experience. In one post on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote that nobody believed him previously and that he had been mocked and trolled. He reiterated that Arshdeep should be banned this season and paid on a pro-rata basis, adding that today’s players should be hit “where it hurts the most.” He also said he expects to be trolled again.
He further stated that if the BCCI takes action, he would name people who racially abused him—framing it as conditional on whether the board acts against those individuals as well.
Punjab Kings’ run of defeats: Mumbai chase 201
While the off-field controversy has dominated headlines, Punjab Kings also suffered a major setback on the field. In the match against Mumbai Indians, Punjab registered their fifth consecutive defeat. Mumbai successfully chased a target of 201 with six wickets in hand and one ball to spare.
Tilak Varma played the decisive role for the Mumbai Indians, producing a match-changing innings of 75 not out off 33 balls.
How the match unfolded
- Punjab posted 200 runs, driven by a half-century from opening batter Prabhsimran Singh.
- Mumbai completed the chase of 201 with one ball remaining.
- Tilak Varma finished unbeaten on 75 off 33 deliveries.
- Shardul Thakur led the bowling for Punjab, taking four wickets.
Punjab’s next challenge: must win the remaining two
With the loss to Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings cannot afford another slip-up if they want any realistic chance of finishing in the top four. The franchise now needs to win both of its remaining matches—against Royal Challengers Bengaluru and then against Lucknow Super Giants—to keep their play-off hopes alive.
