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Arshdeep Singh deletes viral Virat Kohli Instagram reel with over 150 million vi

Rafiq Hasan · · 3 min read
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Arshdeep Singh Clears Instagram, Deletes Viral Virat Kohli Reel

Punjab Kings pacer Arshdeep Singh has stirred widespread conversation across social media platforms after a dramatic overhaul of his Instagram profile. The left-arm fast bowler removed over 200 posts, leaving only 44 visible uploads, while also changing his display picture. Among the most notable deletions was a viral reel featuring former Indian captain Virat Kohli that had amassed over 150 million views during the recent Champions Trophy campaign.

Sudden Social Media Cleanup Sparks Speculation

The cleanup, which unfolded late Monday night, immediately caught fans’ attention. Though Arshdeep retains the Punjab Kings affiliation in his bio, the extensive removal of content—including personal moments, celebrations, and promotional posts—left followers puzzled. It remains unclear whether some of the deleted content was archived or permanently removed, or if any was later restored following public reaction.

The now-deleted reel with Virat Kohli had become one of Arshdeep’s most popular posts, symbolizing a moment of camaraderie between a rising pacer and one of India’s cricketing icons. Its removal has fueled intense speculation about the reasoning behind the digital purge.

Content That Remains

Of the 44 posts still visible, the majority depict family gatherings, behind-the-scenes cricket footage, and promotional content for endorsed brands. There has been no official statement from Arshdeep or his management regarding the sudden change, deepening the mystery surrounding his actions.

Off-Field Controversies Add to the Pressure

The social media reset comes amid growing scrutiny of Arshdeep’s behavior off the field. He recently found himself at the center of a racial controversy involving teammate Tilak Varma. A viral clip allegedly captured Arshdeep making a comment about Varma’s skin tone and questioning if he used sunscreen. The remarks, if confirmed, have drawn sharp criticism.

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Former India spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan called for strict disciplinary action, writing on X (formerly Twitter): “Arshdeep should be banned this season and should be paid on a pro rata basis. The players today should be hit where it hurts the most.” Sivaramakrishnan also claimed he would name individuals who racially abused him if the BCCI takes action.

To date, neither Arshdeep nor Tilak Varma has issued a public response to the allegations.

Struggles on the Field in IPL 2026

The controversy unfolded during a challenging IPL 2026 season for Arshdeep. As Punjab Kings’ leading wicket-taker with 14 scalps in 14 matches, his contribution with the ball was notable. However, his performances were marred by inconsistency—particularly in the powerplay and death overs—where he struggled with line and length, frequently conceding wides.

His economy rate of 10.21 was among the highest for regular bowlers in the tournament, falling short of his usual standards in white-ball cricket. Despite a promising start—PBKS winning six of their first seven games—the team collapsed in the second half and missed the playoffs by just one point.

What’s Next for Arshdeep Singh?

With both on-field performance and off-field behavior under the microscope, Arshdeep Singh now faces a pivotal phase in his career. The deletion of the Virat Kohli reel—once a symbol of fan engagement—might signal a desire to reset his public image. But until he speaks, the silence only amplifies the questions.

For now, fans and critics alike are left analyzing every move—online and off—as one of India’s most talked-about fast bowlers navigates a turbulent chapter in his journey.

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Rafiq Hasan

Rafiq Hasan is the chief cricket correspondent for The Daily Star, Bangladesh's largest English-language newspaper. Over his two-decade career, he has chronicked the rise of Bangladesh cricket from perennial underdogs to a formidable force in world cricket. Hasan has covered every major ICC event featuring Bangladesh and reported from the press boxes of Lord's, the MCG, and Mirpur. He has a deep understanding of the country's cricket ecosystem—from the Dhaka Premier League rivalries to the politics of the BCB. Known for his balanced analysis and insider access to the dressing room, he wrote the widely acclaimed long-form series "Tigers' Roar: How Bangladesh Changed the Cricket Map." A graduate of the University of Dhaka, Hasan is also a respected voice on global cricket diplomacy, exploring how the sport affects the balance of power in South Asia.