Shresta Iyer issues statement after PBKS' exit. Image Credit-IG/AP
The ongoing season of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) was full of controversies and dramas, with the Punjab Kings (PBKS) hogging the spotlight. Shreyas Iyer's sister, Shresta Iyer, and Arshdeep Singh were the most infamous characters from their dressing room.
The season began with a bang for the Shreyas Iyer-led side, going without a defeat in their first seven games. However, after their first defeat, they suddenly forgot how to win and could win just a single game in the fag-end of the tournament.
After PBKS' clash in Kolkata against KKR was washed out, Shresta Iyer made a piece of content, mocking KKR and saying that her brother's team had gifted one point to the three-time champions.
The reel featuring Shresta Iyer got blown out of proportion as Shreyas Iyer and KKR had a bitter-sweet history. Since then, she has been getting criticism from all corners.
Shresta Iyer issues statement after series of trolling
After PBKS' elimination from the IPL 2026, Shresta Iyer has shared her side of the story and said that one reel was exaggerated. She also mentioned that it was just a fun banter and she wasn't trolling 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," Shresta Iyer said in an Instagram reel.
Also Read: Shreyas Iyer's Sister Trolled For '1 Point' Remark After Punjab Kings' IPL Exit
Furthermore, the choreographer-turned influencer also called out trolls for abusing her and her peers. She concluded by saying that she will always celebrate her brother, Shreyas Iyer, whether in good or bad.
“I pity you guys. You have been calling my workplace, abusing me, my colleagues, my students and my family. Harassing them and calling at random times.”
“If you want to hate me, please continue doing that, but stop harassing people affiliated with me. I am not here to tell what is right or wrong. I will celebrate my brother — whether he wins or loses, I will always celebrate him," Shresta Iyer concluded.
What went wrong for PBKS in IPL 2026?
If not for the KKR washout game, PBKS might have qualified for the playoffs, as they missed the qualification by one point. However, after being beaten by the Rajasthan Royals, who eventually reached the playoffs, Punjab lost its winning mojo.
Despite their batting efforts, which saw them score over 200 runs in four of the six matches, PBKS's consecutive losses mounted to six. While the batters performed effectively, the bowling unit struggled under pressure in the latter half of these games.
Even the likes of Yuzvendra Chahal and Arshdeep Singh weren't able to make any difference, or rather break crucial partnerships for the team.
Eventually, Shreyas Iyer came to the rescue of PBKS in their final league game, scoring a valiant century against LSG in a winning cause. However, a victory for RR over MI ended the tournament for PBKS.
Conclusion: Arjun's take on Shresta Iyer row
As Shreyas Iyer's sister, Shresta Iyer, stated, her reel for PBKS was just fun banter, but the hate she received was undue. There is no place for bullying or online harassment; thus, those who engage in it should feel ashamed.
On the other hand, PBKS initially seemed like the team to beat, flying high in the tournament. However, once they began to lose, they were unable to adapt and implement a Plan B or C. Their biggest weaknesses this season were their bowling and fielding.
Also Read: Will Phil Salt Play Qualifier 1? Latest Update On Batter Before RCB vs GT In IPL 2026
