![Arshdeep Singh, Shreyas Iyer, and Tilak Varma [Source: AFP and X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1778688440167_ArshdeepSingh,ShreyasIyer,andTilakVarma.jpg?type=hq)
Arshdeep Singh, Shreyas Iyer, and Tilak Varma [Source: AFP and X]
The IPL 2026 is almost at its business end, but controversies do not seem to be slowing down. After the BCCI’s strict actions banning on-field and off-field players from making reels on the ground, Arshdeep Singh has found himself in deep waters after allegedly racially abusing Mumbai Indians star Tilak Varma.
Punjab Kings are all set to host Mumbai Indians for their upcoming IPL clash on May 14 at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala. As both teams reached their destination and met at the training camps, a viral Snapchat video of Arshdeep Singh has now started doing the rounds on the internet.
Arshdeep Bullies Tilak In Viral Video
In the video, Tilak Varma, along with other Mumbai Indians teammates, was seen sitting and having a casual conversation with Punjab Kings players, where Arshdeep Singh was also present.
Arshdeep, who was previously reprimanded for making reels with cricket players on and off the ground, took out his phone camera to capture what can be called a candid conversation among the players.
Arshdeep Racially Abuses Tilak
It is quite a normal scenario to have players from both camps meeting each other ahead of a match, be it during a net session or at a common place to relax and chat. Similarly, Arshdeep Singh was found having a conversation with Tilak Varma, where he taunted the MI batter.
As Arshdeep recorded Tilak, he called him, “Oye Andhere, aaj sunscreen lagaya ki nahi?” which means, “Hey darkness, have you applied sunscreen today or not?”
Tilak, who has a solid fan following on Instagram with almost 6.2 million followers, is a dusky-skinned cricketer known for his good looks and picture-worthy Instagram feed.
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Racially abusing Tilak with the “Andhere” remark and a subtle sunscreen dig has now stirred controversy online, although Arshdeep’s intent might not have been completely to offend Tilak.
Will The Controversy Crack A Line Between Arshdeep Singh And Tilak Varma?
Both Tilak and Arshdeep have shared the same dressing room while playing for the Indian T20 cricket team and have a very beautiful bond with each other. Tilak has often appeared in Arshdeep’s YouTube vlogs and Instagram reels as well, where both of them were found pulling each other’s legs.
Hence, this dig by Arshdeep can be called friendly banter between the two, which did not escalate since Tilak Varma laughed it off on camera.
Massive Battle of PBKS vs MI Awaits In Dharamsala
A massive battle for pride will be on Mumbai Indians’ side, who are already out of the playoff race in IPL 2026. Currently at the ninth position on the points table, Mumbai will be playing their 12th match in the hope of salvaging their pride after a defeat against RCB on May 10.
Meanwhile, Punjab Kings, who dominated the season early, are now on the edge of even being eliminated from the playoff race.
They have suffered four consecutive defeats and would like to win the match against Mumbai if they want to make a statement, script a massive comeback, remain in the playoff race, and cement a spot in the top two.
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