In this era of social media, everything has the capability to blow up like lava. Videos go viral and people get offended without knowing the whole truth. IPL 2026 saw a similar incident where a few seconds of social media content were enough to trigger a controversy. Arshdeep Singh’s remarks directed at Tilak Varma started allegations of colourism, divided opinion among fans and former players, prompted demands for punishment, and eventually became one of the most talked about off-field incidents of IPL 2026.
Now, Prabhsimran Singh, who has been Arshdeep Singh’s teammate at Punjab Kings (PBKS) for eight years now, has shed light on the incident. While weeks have passed, Prabhsimran, who has been part of PBKS’ dressing room, has given the real perspective as a cricketer.
What happened between Arshdeep Singh and Tilak Varma?
For those who missed the drama, the controversy bagan before Punjab Kings‘ clash against Mumbai Indians in Dharamsala. In a social media clip, Arshdeep referred to Tilak as “Andhere” (darkness) and joked about sunscreen before calling MI batter Naman Dhir the “asli noor” (real brightness). The video spread rapidly, with some seeing it as harmless dressing-room banter and others calling it blatant racism.
Arshdeep felt the backlash immediately. Former India spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan criticised the remarks and said that the left-arm pacer should be banned by the BCCI. Meanwhile, social media was split between those demanding action and those arguing that the context of Arshdeep and Tilak’s friendship was being ignored. That context is exactly what Prabhsimran pointed towards while speaking exclusively to InsideSport.
“They (Arshdeep Singh and Tilak Varma) are really good friends. They can do anything between each other. It also depends on us as to how we take personal things. The two have played so much cricket together, so people should leave the matter to them,” said Prabhsimran in conversation with InsideSport.
Was Arshdeep Singh affected after the IPL 2026 controversy?
The story didn’t die down there and then. When Mumbai Indians beat Punjab Kings, Tilak hammered 75 off just 33 balls and took on Arshdeep in the death overs. MI then uploaded a video showing Tilak walking out of darkness into light, something many fans interpreted as a cheeky dig at the earlier comments.
Meanwhile, Arshdeep was already embroiled in another controversy at that time. During one of his vlogs, Yuzvendra Chahal was seen secretly vaping inside a plane. This, coupled with what happened with Riyan Parag earlier in the IPL 2026, the BCCI put their foot in the matter and completely denied Arshdeep access to shoot long-form videos for his social media. Through all of it, Prabhsimran says Arshdeep remained unaffected.
“No (Arshdeep wasn’t affected). It’s a good thing about his character that he remains the same way in both highs and lows. Everyone knows how hard-working he is. Now that’ll be wrong if you judge his cricket performances because of his life incidents.”
Prabhsimran summed up Arshdeep’s nature brilliantly. He wears his heart on his sleeve and is someone who genuinely sparks humour and joy wherever he goes. At least, that’s what we have seen thus far through his funny videos. Having spent nearly a decade alongside him at Punjab Kings, Prabhsimran believes Arshdeep’s biggest strength is his ability to remain unchanged regardless of circumstances.
As for Tilak and Arshdeep, both have been continuously playing international cricket together. They won the T20 World Cup 2026 as recently as in March and have been part of the T20I team for over a year now. The two will join the Men in Blue once again when India’s tour of Ireland and England begin later this month.
