India left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh has landed in controversy after a video clip featuring comments directed at Tilak Varma went viral on social media. In the clip, Arshdeep appeared to jokingly ask Tilak, “Oye Andhere, sunscreen lagaaya?” — a remark that has triggered backlash online, with several users accusing the Punjab Kings fast bowler of mocking his teammate’s skin tone.
The incident has quickly become a major talking point among cricket fans during the ongoing IPL 2026 season. While some users defended the exchange as harmless banter between players, many others criticised the language used and called for greater sensitivity from public figures and professional athletes.
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Former India leg-spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan reacted strongly to the controversy and demanded strict action against Arshdeep. Posting on X, Sivaramakrishnan said the pacer should be banned for the season and fined on a pro-rata basis. He also stated that players should be “hit where it hurts the most” to discourage such behaviour in the future.
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
The former spinner’s reaction comes shortly after he opened up about facing racism during his own playing days with the Indian team. Sivaramakrishnan had revealed that one of his teammates allegedly referred to him as a “dark boy” during India’s tour of Pakistan when he was just 17 years old. According to his recollection, the comment was made during a team celebration arranged by then-captain Sunil Gavaskar.
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Sivaramakrishnan represented India in nine Tests and 16 ODIs between 1983 and 1987, taking 41 international wickets. Following his retirement, he built a successful career as a respected cricket commentator and analyst.
