Arshdeep Singh's Instagram cleanup has become the talk of the cricketing world, with the left‑arm pacer changing his display picture, wiping out more than 200 posts and leaving just 44 uploads on his official account.
The sudden purge sparked a wave of speculation among fans, especially after the viral reel featuring Virat Kohli – posted during the recent Champions Trophy campaign and boasting over 150 million views – vanished from Arshdeep's profile on Monday night.
While the Instagram overhaul removed most of his cricket‑related content, Arshdeep kept a handful of family moments, cricket memories and brand promotions, and he still retains the Punjab Kings name in his bio, indicating the franchise remains a part of his online identity.
Neither Arshdeep nor his management have offered an explanation for the mass deletion, and it remains unclear whether any of the removed posts were later restored after the frenzy on social media.
The cleanup coincided with a turbulent IPL 2026 season for the pacer, who struggled with control, frequently missing his length and conceding wides during both powerplay and death overs.
Despite finishing as Punjab Kings' leading wicket‑taker with 14 scalps in 14 matches, his economy ballooned to 10.21, far above his usual standards in white‑ball cricket.
Punjab Kings narrowly missed the playoffs, slipping out of the top four by a single point after a strong start – six wins from seven matches – turned into a collapse in the second half of the tournament.
Adding to his on‑field woes, Arshdeep found himself at the centre of a controversy involving a video clip where he allegedly made a comment about teammate Tilak Varma's skin colour and asked if he used sunscreen.
Former India spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan slammed the alleged remark, demanding a ban for Arshdeep this season and suggesting financial penalties for those involved, stating, “Nobody believed me. Everyone mocked and trolled me. Arshdeep should be banned this season and should be paid on a pro rata basis.”
In the same vein, the controversy spilled over to other players' families, with Shreyas Iyer's sister Shresta becoming a target of online trolling after her remarks about Punjab and the Kolkata Knight Riders during the tournament.
Shresta later clarified that her comment was meant in fun, not to mock anyone, and condemned the harassment directed at her family and colleagues, urging people to stop targeting individuals connected to the sport.
Meanwhile, the IPL schedule saw Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) host Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Match 68 at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on May 23, a crucial game for both sides.
LSG, sitting 10th and already eliminated from playoff contention, were eager to end their campaign on a high, while PBKS, placed 5th, were desperate for a win to keep their top‑four hopes alive.
The head‑to‑head record favours PBKS, who hold a 4‑3 advantage over LSG from seven clashes, including a 2‑1 record at the Ekana venue and a clean sweep in all three meetings since 2025.
Probable line‑ups saw PBKS banking on the explosive opening pair of Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh, the steady hand of captain Shreyas Iyer, and the pace spearhead Arshdeep Singh, who had taken 14 wickets despite his expensive spell.
LSG, on the other hand, were set to field Mitchell Marsh, Josh Inglis, Nicholas Pooran and Rishabh Pant, with the spin duo of Digvesh Rathi and Prince Yadav expected to play pivotal roles.
The Ekana Stadium pitch is known for its balanced nature, offering early bounce for pacers and later assistance for spinners, making smart bowling combinations and adaptable batting strategies essential.
Weather forecasts for the match predicted warm, clear conditions with temperatures ranging from 32‑38 °C and minimal rain, ensuring a full 20‑over contest.
Beyond the Instagram drama, the season also saw other on‑field spats, such as Virat Kohli’s verbal exchange with Sunrisers Hyderabad opener Travis Head, which led to further online abuse directed at Head’s wife.
These incidents highlight a growing concern among cricketers about digital harassment extending to families and associates, prompting calls for stricter measures against such behaviour.
As the IPL draws to a close, Arshdeep’s Instagram saga, the Tilak Varma controversy, and his mixed on‑field performance will likely remain talking points, especially if Punjab Kings manage to clinch a playoff spot.
Arshdeep Singh’s Instagram cleanup, the deleted Virat Kohli reel and the off‑field controversies have added a new layer of intrigue to an already turbulent IPL season, leaving fans eager to see how the pacer and Punjab Kings finish the campaign.
📋 Disclaimer
The analysis presented in this article is purely based on the author's understanding and opinions derived from various reliable sources. The author has reviewed multiple sources to present this analysis.
If any information is found to be incorrect or misleading, it is purely a mistake originating from the source material and the author shall not be held responsible for the same. The author is sharing personal analysis on the topic based on what the sources have reported.
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