As the IPL 2026 season nears its end, the noise off the field continues to grow, with Punjab Kings missing out on a playoff spot by a single point sparking intense fan backlash. The situation escalated after a viral video involving PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer’s sister, Shresta Iyer, was linked by some users to the team’s exit, leading to heavy trolling and online criticism.
Amid the backlash, Shresta revealed that she has even been receiving threat calls on her work number and later addressed the controversy in a clarification video. She said, “You guys think it was a trolling video. Okay, according to me, it was a fun banter video, and I had no bad intentions behind it. I was just supporting my brother’s team.” She also added, “I did not disrespect anyone and that I respect all the cricketers as my brother is also one of them,” while expressing frustration over abusive comments she has been receiving online.
Why is Shresta Iyer Being Trolled After Punjab Kings’ IPL 2026 Exit?
It all began in April after the washed-out clash between Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens, when captain Shreyas Iyer’s sister, Shresta Iyer, shared a video that quickly went viral. In the clip, she said, “Punjabis have a big heart. Take the one point.” The remark was widely picked up online, with many users interpreting it as a dig at KKR, which quickly snowballed into intense backlash and trolling.
Shreyas Iyer’s sister Shresta trolled KKR for giving away “1 free point” due to rain interruption.
Now the gap between KKR and Punjab Kings is just 2 points.
PBKS are almost near elimination from the IPL 2026 playoffs.Cricket is the greatest leveller. Always stay humble. ☠️🔥 pic.twitter.com/12vSwutDu4
— AdityaVarma (@AdityaVarma45_) May 17, 2026
As the criticism grew, Shresta responded in a follow-up video, explaining how the situation had gone far beyond normal online reactions. She said, “If you read those comments, you will understand that there are so many bad comments. And there are so many people there who are frustrated, jobless, who have nothing to do. I pity you guys. I genuinely pity you guys.” She further added, “But here I have not come to talk about me… here I have come to talk about the people who I am associated with.”
She then spoke about how things escalated into real-life harassment, highlighting that people were contacting her workplace and colleagues. Referring to the impact on those around her, she said, “And abuses about my family. And I mean. There is a limit.” She also added that people were “joining every dot with the video,” calling the situation harassment and saying it had begun affecting not just her but her professional circle as well.
What Did Shresta Iyer Say About the Viral PBKS Video Controversy?
Last month, when the video first went viral, Shresta Iyer had already stepped in to clear the air, stressing that the intent behind her post was never to offend anyone. She said, “Guys, I don’t understand why the hatred is being spread. It’s just a game. The videos are just for fun, and I am here to support my brother. I will continue to do that. No hate for any team, it’s just a game. Everyone should take it sportingly,” making it clear she viewed it as light-hearted support rather than anything controversial.
Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer’ sister Shresta Iyer has deleted her video after facing unfair threats from some fanbase 😳 IPL 2026
– She was created the video after KKR vs PBKS game, that washout due to rain.
– She playfully & in a manner ways said on that reel, “Saade… pic.twitter.com/ggAilanqJQ
— CricPal (@AnupPalAgt) April 10, 2026
She further explained her perspective on the reaction, adding, “I understand aggression. I wasn’t trolling anybody. It was my way of celebration, and I am going to continue doing that. I am just here to say no hate for anybody. Only love is a game. We all should have fun. The rivalry should show, no matter what. There were no personal attacks, just chill. Peace out, guys,” urging fans to keep the spirit of the game enjoyable and avoid turning it into personal attacks online.
How Did Shreyas Iyer And Punjab Kings Perform in IPL 2026?
In IPL 2026, the Punjab Kings came agonisingly close to sealing a playoff spot but ultimately finished 5th on the table with 15 points. Their campaign swung wildly between dominance and collapse; PBKS began strongly with 5 wins in their first 6 games under captain Shreyas Iyer and coach Ricky Ponting, only to lose all momentum later during a damaging mid-season slump, including a winless stretch at their secondary home in Dharamshala. Even so, Iyer ensured a strong finish with a match-winning century in their final league game, though their playoff hopes ended when results elsewhere went against them.
On a personal level, Shreyas Iyer stood out as the team’s batting pillar, delivering a standout season that justified his top billing. He scored 498 runs in 13 innings at an average of 55.33 and a strike rate of 168.81, including a brilliant unbeaten 101 against Lucknow Super Giants—his maiden IPL hundred, which came in a high-pressure chase. Overall, he registered 5 fifties along with that century, consistently carrying the batting order and producing key knocks, including another strong 59 against Delhi Capitals, reinforcing his reputation as PBKS’s most reliable performer.
