Arshdeep Singh has triggered intense online speculation after deleting or archiving more than 200 posts from his Instagram account, including a viral reel featuring Virat Kohli that generated more than 150 million views following India’s Champions Trophy triumph. The Punjab Kings fast bowler also changed his display picture, with only 44 posts now visible on his profile despite some Punjab Kings-related content still remaining active on the account.
Viral Virat Kohli reel disappears from account
The removal of the Kohli reel quickly became one of the biggest talking points surrounding Arshdeep’s Instagram activity, particularly because the video had become one of the most widely shared cricket clips on social media over the past year.
While Arshdeep has not publicly explained the reason behind the social media clean-up, several promotional campaigns, brand collaborations, family photographs and selected cricket-related posts remain visible on his account.
One of the remaining Punjab Kings-related posts on the account carried the caption: “Sabar. Shukar. Punjab.”
Tilak Varma controversy drew criticism online
The social media activity follows a difficult IPL 2026 season for Arshdeep both on and off the field. Earlier in the tournament, a viral video sparked backlash after Arshdeep Singh was allegedly heard saying to Tilak Varma in a viral video: “Oye Andhere, sunscreen lagaaya?” (“Hey, dark one, did you apply sunscreen?”)
Honestly, this is ridiculous. Arshdeep singh is clearly mocking Tilak Varma in this video.
One day this kind of behaviour on social media is going to put him in a really tough spot. Yuzi Chahal is the perfect example of how quickly things can backfire. 😬 pic.twitter.com/FxB4EADF4E— Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintiwari952) May 14, 2026
The alleged remark generated criticism online, with some users accusing the Punjab Kings pacer of colourism. Neither Arshdeep nor Tilak publicly addressed the controversy.
Former India Cricketer and Commentator Laxman Sivaramakrishnan later reacted strongly in replies posted on X. “Nobody believed me. Everyone mocked and trolled me. Arshdeep should be banned this season and should be paid on a pro rata basis. The players today should be hit where it hurts the most.”
Nobody believed me. Everyone mocked and trolled me. Arshdeep should be banned this season and should be paid on a pro rata basis. The players today should be hit where it hurts the most. I am sure I would be trolled again.
— Laxman Sivaramakrishnan (@LaxmanSivarama1) May 15, 2026
Sivaramakrishnan also wrote on X: “If BCCI takes action, I will name people who racially abused me.”
If BCCI takes action, I will name people who racially abused me if BCCI will take action against them
— Laxman Sivaramakrishnan (@LaxmanSivarama1) May 15, 2026
Arshdeep also faced scrutiny during the season over social media exchanges involving fans and content posted alongside Punjab Kings teammate Priyansh Arya.
The 26-year-old’s social media reset now arrives at the end of one of the most high profile periods of his IPL career, with attention shifting towards India’s upcoming international assignments and the next phase of Punjab Kings’ rebuilding process.
