NEW DELHI: Shresta Iyer, sister of Punjab Kings skipper and India ODI vice-captain Shreyas Iyer, has deleted her viral social media video after receiving threat messages, saying what was meant as “light-hearted banter” was widely misunderstood.The controversy erupted after Punjab Kings’ IPL 2026 clash against Kolkata Knight Riders was washed out due to rain. Following the abandoned game, Shresta had posted a clip on Instagram joking that her brother’s team had “gifted” a point to KKR.“Saade Punjabiyan da dil vadda hunda ae. Lo, ditta ek point (We Punjabis have a big heart. So, we gave you a point),” she had said in the now-deleted video, which quickly gained traction online and drew mixed reactions.‘Upsetting to receive threat messages’On Thursday, Shresta announced she had taken down the video, citing the nature of responses she received.“I’ve decided to take down my recent video as it seems it was misunderstood by some. It was meant to be light-hearted banter, but I respect that not everyone saw it that way. However, it’s been quite upsetting to receive not just negativity, but also a few threat messages over it,” she wrote on Instagram.She clarified that the decision was not an admission of wrongdoing. “I’m not removing the video because I believe I did something wrong, but because I respect my brother and his team, and I don’t want this space to turn into one filled with negativity,” she added, urging people to be “kinder and more understanding.”‘No hate, just support’Earlier, Shresta had already addressed the backlash, insisting her comment was not aimed at Kolkata Knight Riders.“Guys, I don’t understand why the hatred is being spread. It’s just a game. The videos are just for fun, and I am here to support my brother. I will continue to do that. No hate for any team,” she said.“I understand aggression. I wasn’t trolling anybody. It was my way of celebration… There were no personal attacks, just chill. Peace out, guys,” she added.The rain-hit match at Eden Gardens was called off after just 3.4 overs, with both teams sharing a point.
