After Punjab Kings’ loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2025, captain Shreyas Iyer’s sister, Shresta Iyer, faced unwarranted criticism online. In response, she took to Instagram to strongly condemn the social media hate and defended her right to support her brother and the team.
“Your Mindset Is Embarrassing”: Shresta Responds
In her Instagram story, Shresta called out the toxic online behavior that held her accountable for PBKS’ performance. She wrote,
“It’s honestly disappointing to see people stoop so low as to blame the family for simply showing up to support… your shallow mindset is not only laughable, it’s embarrassing.”
She reminded critics that she has been present for many victorious matches and that blaming families for defeats is unacceptable.
RCB Defeats PBKS in a Comfortable Chase
The controversy followed PBKS’s seven-wicket loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The game, played at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, saw Devdutt Padikkal score a fluent 61 and Virat Kohli remain unbeaten on 73, as the duo chased down 158 in just 18.5 overs.
The loss pushed Punjab Kings out of the top four, while RCB climbed up the points table.
Kohli & Padikkal Lead With Class
Kohli and Padikkal’s 103-run partnership laid the foundation for the win. Kohli played second fiddle early on but took control later, showcasing signature shots like the back-foot cut and inside-out six off Yuzvendra Chahal. Padikkal’s return to form was celebrated, as he registered his first IPL fifty in 22 innings.
Online Trolling Faces Growing Scrutiny
As cricket continues to grow in popularity, families of players increasingly face backlash from passionate fans. Shresta Iyer’s response serves as a reminder of the need for respectful discourse and support for players beyond the game.
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