Punjab Kings pacer Arshdeep Singh found himself at the centre of controversy after a video featuring Mumbai Indians batter Tilak Varma went viral on Thursday. The clip, which Arshdeep himself posted on Snapchat, was meant to be a lighthearted behind-the-scenes moment, but it quickly turned into something far messier. In the video, Tilak Varma, along with other Mumbai Indians teammates, was seen sitting and having a casual conversation with Punjab Kings players ahead of their IPL 2026 clash at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala.
As Arshdeep recorded Tilak, he called him "Oye Andhere, aaj sunscreen lagaya ki nahi?" — roughly translating to "Hey darkness, have you applied sunscreen today or not?"
The clip also featured Mumbai Indians player Naman Dhir, whom Arshdeep referred to as the real "noor" (light) from Punjab. Tilak initially ignored the comment, but when Arshdeep persisted, the MI batter responded lightly, saying he already applies sunscreen — drawing laughter from Naman Dhir.
Watch Arshdeep Singh's Controversial Video Here
Saalo Thoda Hesitate krliya Kro …Punjabi Humour Is Effortlessly Racist And Dark Man😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/YiWLGS4h6T
— 🚀 (@KINGSX11_) May 14, 2026
What looked like harmless locker-room chat didn't land that way online. Many fans highlighted the historical context of stereotypes tied to darker skin tone. Some pointed out that this wasn't the first time Arshdeep had made similar remarks directed at Tilak. A section of fans, however, came to Arshdeep's defence, calling it friendly banter between teammates who have shared dressing rooms for the Indian T20 side and appeared together in social media vlogs before.
Pointing at Arshdeep Singh's actions, a user asked: “How shameless is he?”
Tilak was passing by
— ` (@worshipVK) May 14, 2026
Arshdeep - Oye andhere (called him black)
Tilak - felt awkward
Arshdeep - sunscreen lagaya kar(put some sunscreen)
As, sunscreen protects from getting tanned(black)**
Tilak - I use foxtale one(took it as a joke)
Arshdeep pointed towards naman dhir**… pic.twitter.com/J8SYKj6w8m
Echoing a similar sentiment, another added, “If IPL was a serious league, Arshdeep would've got banned for tht Tilak comment for atleast 2-3 games.”
If IPL was a serious league, Arshdeep would've got banned for tht Tilak comment for atleast 2-3 games
— 🪓 (@crazyxedi) May 14, 2026
Meanwhile, some fans tried to defend Arshdeep's actions. “Don't you guys have banters with your friends?”
Don't know why people are trolling Arshdeep for joking with Tilak Varma. They are friends, they spend so much together and friends say much worse things than this 😭🙏
— Kusha Sharma (@Kushacritic) May 14, 2026
Don't you guys have banters with your friends? Don't you guys even abuse your friends? What's the problem with…
Very disappointed in Arshdeep
— absy (@absycric) May 14, 2026
“That's literally how mates joke around with each other all the time. Not everything needs fake outrage and online crying,” a comment read.
People losing their minds over Arshdeep calling Tilak “dark” probably never had real friends. That's literally how mates joke around with each other all the time. Not everything needs fake outrage and online crying.
— Navaldeep Singh (@NavalGeekSingh) May 14, 2026
That said, Arshdeep should be more careful putting this stuff…
The incident adds to an already turbulent IPL 2026 season for the left-arm speedster. The BCCI had reportedly instructed Arshdeep to cut down on his vlogging activity, a directive that followed an episode involving teammate Yuzvendra Chahal in one of his earlier videos.
Essential Business Intelligence, Continuous LIVE TV, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.
