The line between sports entertainment and online harassment has blurred yet again. Following a tense Indian Premier League (IPL) match, social media users targeted Shresta Iyer, sister of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Shreyas Iyer. The abuse began after a specific match result sealed the fate of another franchise.
On May 24, the Rajasthan Royals defeated the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium. Consequently, this victory officially knocked the Punjab Kings (PBKS) out of the playoff race. PBKS missed the qualifiers by a single point. Soon after, an old, light-hearted “banter” video involving PBKS and KKR resurfaced online, and the mood quickly turned sour.
Shresta Iyer Responds to Severe Online Backlash
As the old clip gained traction, trolls flooded Shresta’s social media accounts with hateful comments. The situation escalated rapidly, prompting her to address the toxicity directly. She posted a two-part video on her Instagram account to clarify her stance.
In her video, Shresta explained that the original clip was harmless. She emphasized that she never intended to disrespect anyone.
“The video that I had created earlier, you guys exaggerated it to extremes, when the motive of the reel was just a fun banter. 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.”
Trolls Target Shresta’s Workplace and Family
Unfortunately, the harassment did not stop on social media platforms. Shresta revealed that trolls tracked down her professional details. They began harassing her colleagues, students, and family members through random phone calls.
Expressing her disappointment, Shresta stated that targeting her professional network crossed a serious line. However, she remained firm in her support for her brother. She made it clear that she will always celebrate Shreyas Iyer, regardless of match results.
The Growing Problem of Toxic Fandom in Indian Cricket
This incident is not an isolated case. It highlights a dangerous trend within Indian cricket fandom. Passionate fans often cross boundaries, turning sports rivalries into personal vendettas against players and their relatives.
For instance, social media users recently targeted international players and their families after a heated on-field exchange between Virat Kohli and Australian opener Travis Head. Because of this behavior, experts are calling for greater digital accountability. Social media platforms need stricter measures to protect individuals from organized bullying. Banter is a traditional part of sports culture, but it must not transform into real-world harm.