Arshdeep Singh deletes viral Virat Kohli Instagram reel with over 150 million vi
Arshdeep Singh Deletes Viral Virat Kohli Reel Amid Social Media Cleanup
Punjab Kings pacer Arshdeep Singh has ignited a firestorm on social media after a massive overhaul of his Instagram profile. In a move that surprised fans and followers, Singh changed his display picture and removed over 200 posts, leaving just 44 uploads visible on his official account. Among the most notable deletions: a viral reel featuring Virat Kohli that had amassed over 150 million views.
What Triggered the Instagram Purge?
The sudden digital detox sparked intense speculation across online platforms. While Singh did not delete all posts associated with Punjab Kings, he retained the franchise’s name in his bio, suggesting the cleanup was not a signal of disassociation. It remains unclear whether some of the removed content was later restored after the wave of attention, but the deletion of the Kohli reel stands out as one of the most talked-about changes.
The now-deleted reel was posted during India’s recent Champions Trophy campaign and showcased a lighthearted moment between players. Its disappearance has only fueled theories ranging from personal reflection to damage control amid off-field controversies.
Controversies Surrounding Arshdeep Singh
Arshdeep has been under increasing scrutiny in recent weeks. A video clip surfaced earlier this month allegedly capturing him making a remark about teammate Tilak Varma’s skin tone, including a comment questioning whether sunscreen was used. The incident drew sharp criticism, particularly from former India spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan.
On X (formerly Twitter), Sivaramakrishnan called for strict disciplinary action. “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,” he wrote, adding that he would name individuals who racially abused him if the BCCI took action.
Neither Arshdeep nor Tilak Varma has issued a public statement on the matter, leaving fans in a state of uncertainty.
On-Field Struggles in IPL 2026
The off-field noise coincided with a challenging season for the left-arm pacer in IPL 2026. Despite finishing as Punjab Kings’ leading wicket-taker with 14 scalps in 14 matches, Singh’s economy rate of 10.21 painted a concerning picture. He struggled with line and length, particularly during powerplay and death overs, frequently gifting wides and losing control under pressure.
Punjab Kings, last season’s runners-up, started strong with six wins in their first seven matches but collapsed in the tournament’s second half. Ultimately, they missed the playoffs by a single point, adding to the pressure on key players like Singh to reassess their performances.
What Remains on Arshdeep’s Instagram?
After the purge, the remaining content on Singh’s profile largely focuses on personal life—family moments, behind-the-scenes cricket clips, and brand endorsements. There has been no official explanation from Arshdeep or his management regarding the mass deletion, leaving fans to interpret the move as either a personal reset, a response to controversy, or a strategic rebranding effort.
No Clear Answers Yet
While social media speculation continues to grow, one thing is certain: Arshdeep Singh’s decision to erase the past—including a 150-million-view Kohli reel—has placed him firmly in the spotlight, both as a cricketer and as a public figure navigating the complexities of fame, accountability, and digital presence in modern sports.
Aarav Malhotra is a cricket features writer from Pune specializing in player biographies, IPL season stories, and emerging cricket talents. His content focuses on storytelling-driven sports journalism optimized for modern cricket audiences and search platforms.
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