Our Bureau
Kolkata
Shreyas Iyer’s sister, Shresta Iyer, has landed in hot water after a fun video she posted following the rain-washed IPL 2026 match between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The clip sparked anger among KKR fans, who accused her of attacking the team her brother once captained.
The drama unfolded after Monday’s game at Eden Gardens. KKR won the toss and batted first but lost Finn Allen and Cameron Green early to Xavier Bartlett. Rain stopped play after just 3.4 overs, and the match was abandoned due to a wet outfield. Both teams took one point each. PBKS topped the table with five points, while KKR moved to eighth spot.
In her Instagram video, dressed in a PBKS jersey, Shresta said in Punjabi: “Saade Punjabiyan da dil vadda hunda hai, lo de ditta ek point.” This means “Punjabis have a big heart. Take the one point.” Fans saw it as a jab at KKR, the 2024 IPL champions, and slammed her for disrespect.
On Tuesday, Shresta hit back with a strong clarification on Instagram Stories. “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,” she said. “I wasn’t trolling anybody. It was my way of celebration. No hate for any team, only love. There were no personal attacks, just chill. Peace out.”
Shresta, a professional dancer and choreographer, stressed the IPL should allow fun and rivalry. “Everyone should take it sportingly,” she added. Her words aim to cool the online hate she received.
Shreyas Iyer leads PBKS strongly this season after last year’s runner-up finish. Experts like Aakash Chopra call them a top team to beat, praising their young Indian batters under Iyer and coach Ricky Ponting.
