A vibrant IPL 2025 match under the dazzling lights of Mullanpur’s Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium. The crowd roars as Punjab Kings (PBKS), led by the dynamic Shreyas Iyer, take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). In the stands, Shresta Iyer, Shreyas’ sister and a celebrated dancer, cheers with unbridled pride. It’s the kind of heartwarming moment that defines Indian cricket—a family rallying behind their star. But when PBKS falls to RCB in a seven-wicket defeat, Shresta’s moment of joy turns into a nightmare. Vicious trolls flood her Instagram with hate, blaming her for her brother’s team’s loss. Unbowed, Shresta fires back with a response that’s as inspiring as it is fierce, igniting a powerful conversation about toxic fandom in the IPL.
In this blog, we’ll unpack Shresta’s story, explore the dark side of online trolling in cricket, and call for a fandom that celebrates love over hate. Let’s dive in.
The Match That Sparked the Fire
On April 20, 2025, PBKS faced RCB in Match 37 of IPL 2025, a high-octane clash with playoff implications. PBKS, batting first, struggled early. Shreyas Iyer, under pressure as the new captain, fell for a cautious 6 off 10 balls. Despite late heroics from Shashank Singh (31*) and Marco Jansen (25), PBKS posted a modest 157/6. RCB, fueled by Devdutt Padikkal’s stylish 61 and Virat Kohli’s commanding 73*, chased it down with ease, sealing a seven-wicket win.
The match had its share of light-hearted moments—Kohli’s playful post-match gesture to Iyer, RCB’s cheeky social media throwback to an old Salman Khan tweet—but for Shresta, who was simply there to support her brother, the aftermath was anything but fun.
Shresta Iyer: A Sister Targeted, a Fighter Unfazed
Shresta Iyer isn’t just “Shreyas Iyer’s sister.” She’s a powerhouse in her own right—a dancer, choreographer, and social media influencer whose infectious energy lights up Instagram. On match day, her presence in the stands was pure sibling love, captured in a now-viral X post by cricket fan Mufaddal Vohra: “Shreyas Iyer’s sister in the stands supporting Shreyas and PBKS. ” Fans initially celebrated the moment, but when PBKS lost, the mood shifted.
Trolls descended on Shresta’s Instagram, spewing hateful comments that blamed her for PBKS’ defeat. It was a shocking low, echoing attacks on other cricketers’ families, like Shubman Gill’s sister, Rohit Sharma’s daughter, and KL Rahul’s wife. A post on X by @SG77Era summed it up: “Shubman Gill’s sister, Rohit Sharma’s daughter, and KL Rahul’s wife were also abused by Virat Kohli fans, Shreyas Iyer’s sister has now faced the same. Shameful stuffs.”
But Shresta wasn’t about to let the haters win. In a fiery Instagram Story, she clapped back: “It’s honestly disappointing to see people stoop so low as to blame the family for simply showing up to support. Whether we’re physically present or cheering from afar, our support for the team is unwavering. Your shallow mindset is not our burden to carry.” Her words were a mic-drop moment—poignant, powerful, and a rallying cry for respect.
Fans rallied behind her. On X, @NviiiJ25409
Fans rallied behind her. On X, @NviiiJ25409 wrote, “Shame on each & everyone of them, Shresta is my sister too & it is not at all alright. Lowlife garbage fans!!” Shresta’s courage turned her into a symbol of resilience, proving that love for family and sport can outshine even the ugliest hate.
The Dark Side of IPL Fandom
The IPL is India’s biggest sporting spectacle, a carnival of cricketing brilliance and fan passion. But beneath the glitz lies a growing problem: toxic fandom. When teams lose, fans often lash out, and social media amplifies their venom. Families, who have no role in the game, become easy targets. Shresta’s story is part of a troubling pattern—cricketers’ loved ones, from spouses to siblings, face relentless abuse for simply existing.
This isn’t just about one match. It’s about a culture that sometimes forgets the human side of sport. Cricket analyst Harsha Bhogle weighed in on X: “Trolling players’ families is a low we must not accept. Shresta Iyer’s response is a reminder that support is unconditional, and hate has no place in sport.” His words echo a growing call for change, from stricter social media policies to fan education campaigns.
The emotional toll of trolling can be devastating. Imagine being Shresta, scrolling through your DMs only to find a flood of vitriol for something as innocent as cheering for your brother. It’s a stark reminder that words online carry weight, and the IPL community—fans, franchises, and players—must do better.
Who Is Shresta Iyer? A Star in Her Own Right
Let’s take a moment to celebrate Shresta. Beyond her connection to Shreyas, she’s a creative force. Her Instagram is a vibrant canvas of dance reels, choreography tutorials, and glimpses into her life as a proud sister. A trained dancer, she’s performed at events across India and built a loyal following with her artistry and authenticity. For her, attending the PBKS match wasn’t about the spotlight—it was about family, a value deeply rooted in Indian cricket culture.
In a country where cricket is religion, families are the unsung heroes behind every player’s journey. Shresta’s presence in the stands was a testament to that bond, making the trolling she faced all the more unjust.