Arshdeep Singh Accused of Racial Discrimination as Punjab Kings Struggle

May 15, 2026, 12:20
IndiaSports

Introduction

Punjab Kings bowler Arshdeep Singh is facing strong criticism after a social media video surfaced, showing him making offensive remarks about Mumbai Indians player Tilak Varma.

Main Body

The controversy began when Singh posted a Snapchat video calling Varma 'Andhere' (dark one) and mocking his use of sunscreen. In the same video, he compared Varma to teammate Naman Dhir, calling Dhir the 'real glow' of the team. Many social media users have described these comments as 'casual racism.' Furthermore, reports suggest that Singh has made similar remarks about the appearance of Gujarat Titans player Sai Sudharsan in the past. These comments have also angered former athletes. Former Indian spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan has urged the BCCI to ban Singh for a season and reduce his salary. Sivaramakrishnan emphasized that he faced similar skin-tone discrimination during his own career and argued that if the authorities do not take action, this behavior will continue. Meanwhile, the Mumbai Indians responded symbolically after beating the Punjab Kings by six wickets, posting a video with lyrics about removing darkness, which many saw as a direct reply to Singh. At the same time, the Punjab Kings are struggling on the field, having lost five matches in a row. This poor performance has happened alongside several public relations problems, including arguments with sports journalists. Additionally, Singh has been confrontational with his critics; he recently responded to a fan's complaint on Snapchat by questioning the fan's financial status.

Conclusion

Arshdeep Singh continues to face scrutiny for his behavior online, while the Punjab Kings are at a critical point in their fight to reach the playoffs.

Learning

🚀 The 'Connecting' Secret: Moving from A2 to B2

An A2 student says: "The Punjab Kings are losing. They have PR problems." A B2 student says: "The Punjab Kings are struggling, having lost five matches in a row. This has happened alongside several PR problems."

What is the difference? Cohesion. B2 speakers don't just list facts; they glue them together to show how ideas relate.

🛠️ Tool 1: The "Alongside" Bridge

Instead of using 'and' or 'also' repeatedly, use alongside. It tells the reader that two things are happening at the same time, often creating a 'pile-on' effect (making a situation seem worse).

  • A2: He is rude and his team is losing.
  • B2: He is facing criticism alongside a dip in his team's performance.

🛠️ Tool 2: The "Having + Verb" Shortcut

Look at the phrase: "...struggling on the field, having lost five matches in a row."

This is a power-move. Instead of saying "They are struggling because they lost...", we use Having + Past Participle. This allows you to explain the reason for a situation without starting a new, choppy sentence.

Try this logic:

  • (Fact A) →\rightarrow (Result B)
  • Having [Fact A], [Result B].
  • Example: Having studied for ten hours, I felt confident for the exam.

🔍 Linguistic Spotlight: 'Nuance' Words

To reach B2, stop using 'bad' or 'angry'. Use words that describe the intensity or type of a situation:

  1. Scrutiny (Instead of 'being watched' or 'criticized'): It means a very careful, detailed examination.
  2. Confrontational (Instead of 'aggressive' or 'mean'): It describes someone who actively seeks a fight or argument.
  3. Symbolically (Instead of 'in a special way'): When an action represents a bigger idea (like the Mumbai Indians' video about 'removing darkness').

Vocabulary Learning

criticism (n.)
The expression of disapproval of something based on perceived faults or mistakes.
Example:The coach's criticism of the team's lack of discipline was well received.
offensive (adj.)
Causing anger, upset, or resentment; insulting.
Example:His offensive remarks about the opponent's appearance were widely condemned.
mocking (v.)
Making fun of or teasing someone in a cruel or contemptuous way.
Example:She was mocking his attempt to speak fluent Hindi.
racism (n.)
The belief that one race is superior to another, or discriminatory treatment based on race.
Example:The incident was seen as a clear case of racism.
discrimination (n.)
Unfair or unjust treatment of a person or group based on characteristics such as race, gender, or age.
Example:The company faced discrimination claims from former employees.
authorities (n.)
People or organizations with power or control over a particular area.
Example:The authorities decided to investigate the allegations.
symbolically (adv.)
In a way that represents or stands for something else.
Example:They posted a video symbolically to show their support.
public relations (n.)
The practice of managing information between an organization and the public.
Example:The team's public relations problems were highlighted in the news.
confrontational (adj.)
Inclined to confront or argue; hostile.
Example:His confrontational style made negotiations difficult.
scrutiny (n.)
Close and critical examination or observation.
Example:The player's actions were under intense scrutiny.
playoffs (n.)
A series of games at the end of a season to determine the champion.
Example:The team hopes to qualify for the playoffs.
salary (n.)
The amount of money paid to an employee for work.
Example:Her salary was reduced after the scandal.
ban (v.)
Prohibit or forbid something, especially by law or authority.
Example:The league decided to ban the player for a season.
reduce (v.)
Make smaller or less in amount, size, or degree.
Example:The company will reduce its workforce by 10%.
behavior (n.)
The way in which a person acts or conducts themselves.
Example:His online behavior caused fans to protest.