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PBKS crash out sparks abuse; Shreyas Iyer’s sister responds to online trolls

Iyer’s sister posted an Instagram video clarifying the intention and defaming the abuse to her family.

By Rishav Bagchi

May 26, 2026 20:47 IST

After a six-match losing streak, PBKS were knocked out of the IPL 26, after RR beat MI on the last matchday of the league phase. PBKS finished fifth in the table, just one point short of Rajasthan, which let RR seal their final playoff berth.

During the six-match losing streak of PBKS, Shreyas’ sister, Shresta Iyer, was trolled continuously on social media over the viral “ditta ek point” clip. The clip went poorly with Punjab’s collapse in the second half, which led them to elimination. The trolling soon escalated into online abuse

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Shresta Iyer reacts socially to the online abuse

Reacting to the backlash, Shresta released a two-part video on Instagram to clarify the intention and originality behind the reel and condemned the abuse made to her and her family.

Taking to Instagram, Shresta told, “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.”

She also revealed the harassment she faced at her workplace and with people associated with her. She also stated about her dealings with the criticism made against her, but will not accept it if it spills over to her professional and personal circle.

She added, “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.”

KKR and PBKS final matches bear no fruit for the playoffs

KKR and PBKS both played fair matches in IPL 2026, but ultimately finished the season failing to climb over the playoff line.

PBKS won six out of seven matches at the very first before ending up with a six-game losing streak that exposed their poor tactical field decisions. They eventually won their final game, but stayed in fifth of the table, eliminating them from this season of IPL.

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Meanwhile, KKR lost five of their six matches at the beginning before making a comeback with six wins in their next seven games. However, a defeat to the Delhi Capitals in their final league game let them finish seventh in the table.

Amid all of the online controversies and the fall of several major teams throughout this season, the qualified teams are set for an electrifying match in the playoffs for IPL 2026.

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