As the Punjab Kings (PBKS) navigate a critical, high-pressure juncture in the IPL 2026 season, the franchise has firmly rallied behind its star pacer, Arshdeep Singh.
The left-arm bowler recently found himself embroiled in a massive social media controversy following an off-field video that triggered widespread accusations of “casual racism.” Addressing the media ahead of the team’s must-win clash, PBKS Head of Sports Science Andrew Leipus clarified that while the outside noise continues to escalate online, Arshdeep remains entirely unfazed, calm, and a vital vocal leader within the dressing room hierarchy.
The Snapchat Controversy
The controversy erupted after Arshdeep shared a candid video on his personal Snapchat account featuring Mumbai Indians’ batsman Tilak Varma and Naman Dhir. In the viral clip, Arshdeep could be heard playfully asking Varma, “Oye Andhere, sunscreen lagaaya?” (Hey dark one, did you apply sunscreen?), before turning the lens toward Dhir and calling him the “real Noor” (glow) of Punjab.
While some fans defended the exchange as harmless dressing room banter between close peers, the comment sparked fierce pushback from cricket enthusiasts and former players alike. Former India spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan strongly condemned the remark on X, calling for a season-long ban and urging the BCCI to take strict disciplinary action. Adding to the drama, Mumbai Indians amplified the tension after defeating PBKS, posting a celebratory video of Varma set to the track Channa Mereya with the caption “Andhere tera maine le liya” (I took away your darkness).
Physical Restrictions
Beyond the digital storm, Arshdeep’s on-field performances have seen minor fluctuations, coinciding with a bleak five-match losing streak for the Punjab Kings. Andrew Leipus revealed that minor physical limitations rather than mental distractions from social media have been the primary reason behind the bowler’s up-and-down form.
”We have been working together a little bit and looking at his body; there may be restrictions that could be a reason for some of his performances being up and down,” Leipus stated. “But he’s been feeling a lot better physically over the last couple of weeks. In terms of his behavior, Arsh is pretty much a flat line. He isn’t up or down. He gives his best out there.”
The Phone Obsession
When pressed further on the impact of vlogging, reels, and public call-outs, Leipus—a veteran in sports medicine—admitted he consciously avoids social media platforms entirely. However, he expressed broader concern regarding the contemporary generation’s fixation on mobile screens, noting how it alters traditional team bonding.
| Parameter | Leipus’ Observations on Team Environment |
| Arshdeep’s Persona | Described as a “very loud” and highly social presence who leads from the front at breakfast and team meetings. |
| Dressing Room Vibe | The squad maintains a steady emotional baseline to suppress structural anxieties during high-pressure scenarios. |
| The Phone Problem | Noted that modern players sit silently on team buses glued to phones, reducing real-world chatter and organic bonding. |
With their playoff hopes hanging by a thread, the Punjab Kings cannot afford any further distractions. Sitting on the brink of elimination, the squad faces a rigid mandate: they must secure consecutive victories against Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Lucknow Super Giants to keep their tournament dreams alive. Management is confident that Arshdeep’s internal composure will translate into crucial wickets when it matters most.