Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer’s sister, Shresta, has defended herself after facing heavy criticism online for her viral video mocking Kolkata Knight Riders. She said the post was meant in good humour and insisted that spreading hate over a cricket joke is unnecessary. Her clarification came a day after KKR’s rain-hit IPL 2026 clash against PBKS at Eden Gardens ended with both teams sharing a point.
The match was abandoned after persistent rain, and a wet outfield halted play when Kolkata Knight Riders were struggling at 25/2 in the fourth over. Even after the cut-off time was extended to 11:14 pm, no further play was possible, leaving KKR with their first point of the season.
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In the viral clip, Shresta Iyer was heard saying, “Saade Punjabiyan da dil vadda hunda hai, lo de ditta ek point,” a line that roughly translates to Punjabis having a big heart and giving away one point. The video, which also featured several others, was widely interpreted as a dig at KKR, and the backlash on social media was immediate.
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Shresta Iyer takes the heat for one Instagram video after the rain-washed PBKS-KKR match. Her response doubles down instead of backing away.
“It was my way of celebration, and I am going to continue doing that.”
The sister who wore KKR colors in 2024 now refuses to apologize…
— Gully Point (@gullypoint_) April 8, 2026
Addressing the criticism on her Instagram stories, Shresta made it clear that she was not trying to offend anyone.
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“Guys, I don’t understand why the hatred is being spread. It is just a game. The videos are just for fun and I am here to support my brother. I will continue to do that,” she said. “No hate for any team, it’s just a game. Everyone should take it sportingly. I understand aggression. I wasn’t trolling anybody. It was my way of celebration and I am going to continue doing that,” she added.
Meanwhile, Punjab Kings collected a point and moved to the top of the table temporarily with five points from three matches. Kolkata Knight Riders remain on one point from three games, still searching for their first win of IPL 2026.
