Rajasthan Royals’ win over Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede on May 24 brought Punjab Kings’ IPL campaign to an end, but it also reignited online trolling directed at Shreyas Iyer’s sister, Shresta, over a viral “banter” reel involving PBKS and Kolkata Knight Riders.
The clip resurfaced after PBKS missed out on a playoff spot by just one point, triggering renewed abuse across social media. The incident has once again highlighted how quickly online humour in sport can turn into targeted harassment, especially when results swing against a team or individual.
Responding to the backlash, Shresta addressed the issue in a two-part Instagram video, clarifying the intent behind the original reel and condemning the abuse directed at her and her family.
“The video that I had created earlier, you guys exaggerated it to extremes, when the motive of the reel was just a fun banter,” she said. “I wasn’t trolling anyone, I had no bad intentions behind the banter. I wasn’t spreading hate against anyone. I respect every cricketer because my brother is a cricketer.”
She also spoke about the scale of harassment she has been facing online and offline, including abuse directed at her workplace and associates.
“I pity you guys,” she added. “You have been calling my workplace, abusing me, my colleagues, my students and my family. Harassing them and calling at random times.”
Shresta further stated that while she is willing to absorb personal criticism, targeting her professional circle and family crosses a line. “If you want to hate me, please continue doing that, but stop harassing people affiliated with me. I am not here to tell what is right or wrong. I will celebrate my brother—he wins or loses, I will always celebrate him.”
TOXIC FANDOM IN INDIA
The episode has once again raised concerns over the toxic side of cricket fandom in India, where players and their families often become targets of online abuse after high-stakes matches or controversial moments. Similar incidents in the past have seen family members of international cricketers dragged into online spats, prompting broader discussions about digital harassment and accountability on social media platforms.
In one such instance, India batter Virat Kohli was also part of a recent online storm during a heated on-field exchange involving Australian opener Travis Head, after which sections of social media directed abusive messages towards players and even their families—once again underlining the darker side of fan culture in modern cricket.
The resurfacing of the old reel after Punjab Kings’ narrow miss has further amplified tensions between fan bases, with online narratives quickly shifting from light-hearted banter to personal attacks. While teams and players routinely engage in social media content during the IPL season, the fallout from results often exposes how fragile the line is between entertainment and escalation in the digital space.
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