Shrestha Iyer, sister of Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer, has responded to the backlash on social media over her controversial “Ditta Ek Point” Instagram reel during IPL 2026. The 28-year-old dancer and choreographer defended the viral video, saying it was a light-hearted joke which was misunderstood by many cricket fans.
The old video went viral after Punjab Kings were eliminated from the recent tournament. In the reel, Shrestha joked that Punjab Kings had given a “gift of one point” to Kolkata Knight Riders after the rain-marred league match when KKR were struggling at the bottom of the 10-team points table.
I have not hurt anyone’s sentiments – Shreyas Iyer’s sister
During the inaugural episode of reality show Lock Up, host Riteish Deshmukh asked Shrestha about the controversial clip. He said that his joke had upset many Kolkata Knight Riders fans. Shrestha defended herself, saying that the video was just a light-hearted sporting joke and was never intended to hurt anyone.
Shrestha Iyer said, “I have not hurt anyone’s sentiments. I think it was just a funny joke. Such funny jokes keep happening in sports.”
Shreyas Iyer-led Punjab Kings failed to qualify for the IPL 2026 playoffs. Despite enjoying a seven-match unbeaten run in the first half of the season, the Kings lost momentum in the final stages and finished fifth on the points table with 15 points.
I have decided to delete my recent video – Shreyas Iyer’s Sister
Shrestha later deleted the reel and revealed that she had received threatening messages from some social media users. The choreographer said that he removed the video not because it was wrong, but to prevent more negativity on his brother and the Punjab Kings.
“I have decided to remove my recent video because it seems like it was misunderstood by some people. It was meant to be a light-hearted joke, but I respect that not everyone saw it that way. However, it is quite disturbing to receive not only negativity, but also some threatening messages on it.”
Shrestha Iyer wrote, “This is something I didn’t expect, especially for something that had no intention of harming anyone. I’m not removing the video because I think I did something wrong, but because I respect my brother and his team, and I don’t want this space to be filled with negativity… Let’s try to be a little kinder and more understanding with each other.”
Shreyas Iyer’s Indian captaincy started with a defeat against Ireland
Shreyas Iyer left Kolkata Knight Riders after leading the franchise to the IPL 2024 title. Punjab Kings signed the right-handed batsman for ₹26.75 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction and entrusted him with the responsibility of leading the team.
Shreyas Iyer recently started his tenure as India’s T20I captain with an undefeated record. His first match in charge ended in a disappointing 34-run defeat to Ireland in Belfast on Friday, 26 June.
Abhishek Sharma was the only Indian batsman to make an impact, scoring a quickfire 49 off 21 balls. The rest of the top order failed during the chase as India fell far short of the target. India will now have to win the second and final T20 match against Ireland on Sunday, June 28 to avoid a series defeat.