Arshdeep Singh ‘andhera’ controversy erupts as MI twist knife with savage post after Tilak Varma’s masterclass

Tilak Varma powered Mumbai Indians to a sensational win with an unbeaten 75, dealing a further blow to Punjab Kings’ campaign.

Updated on: May 15, 2026, 17:51:03 IST

Written by Aditya Maheshwari

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Arshdeep Singh has come under scrutiny for reasons away from the field as Punjab Kings continue to struggle through a five-match losing streak. The left-arm pacer is now facing backlash over a social media video that went viral ahead of their clash against Mumbai Indians, showing him interacting with Tilak Varma and Naman Dhir.

MI turn Arshdeep Singh’s “andhera” comment into spotlight drama after Tilak Varma’s match-winning blitz. (Reuters and PTI)

In the clip, Arshdeep jokingly asks Tilak, “Oye Andhere, sunscreen lagaaya?” (Hey, dark one, did you apply sunscreen?). The video then shows him turning the camera towards Tilak’s teammate Naman Dhir, whom he refers to as the “real Noor” from Punjab. The video was posted by Arshdeep himself on his Snapchat account.

The remarks have sparked widespread online reactions, with many users criticising the tone and calling it inappropriate. As the video continues to circulate, Arshdeep has found himself at the centre of controversy, with sections of fans and observers terming the comments as “casual racism.”

Meanwhile, in the match, Tilak powered Mumbai Indians to a sensational win with an unbeaten 75, dealing a further blow to Punjab Kings’ campaign. Chasing a stiff 201, Mumbai lost momentum in the middle overs after a couple of quick wickets at crucial moments, which briefly tilted the contest in Punjab’s favour. However, Tilak held his nerve under pressure, ensuring the chase never drifted out of reach even as the required rate climbed sharply.

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In a blistering 33-ball knock, he struck 6 sixes and as many fours, pacing his innings brilliantly before accelerating in the death overs to seal the game in style.

After the match, Mumbai Indians responded to Arshdeep’s “andhera” comment with a pointed social media post. The franchise shared a clip featuring the popular Bollywood track Channa Mereya, using the line “Andhera tera maine le liya” as the background. The video showed Tilak stepping out of darkness in the visuals, holding his post-match awards, including the Player of the Match trophy. The post quickly grabbed attention online, with fans linking it to the earlier remark and the ongoing buzz around the incident.

Tilak Varma thrives under pressure

Meanwhile, Tilak shifted gears brilliantly at the death against PBKS and stayed unbeaten on a sensational 75 off just 33 balls. He found the perfect ally in Will Jacks, whose blistering 25 not out off 10 deliveries proved just as crucial in a tense finish. The game turned in the 18th over from Marco Jansen, with Mumbai Indians needing 50 runs from the last three overs. Tilak launched into attack straightaway, smashing two sixes and a boundary, while Jacks chipped in with another four as MI plundered 22 runs from the over. With 15 needed off the final over, Jacks cleared the ropes once before Tilak sealed the chase in style, hammering back-to-back sixes to silence the Dharamsala crowd and finish the job emphatically.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Maheshwari
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More

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