Chandigarh: India pacer Arshdeep Singh has sparked widespread discussion among fans after deleting a significant number of posts from his Instagram account following a challenging IPL 2026 season with Punjab Kings (PBKS). The left-arm fast bowler’s social media “clean-up” has drawn attention, particularly due to the removal of a viral reel featuring star batter Virat Kohli.
Arshdeep, who is regarded as one of India’s key white-ball bowlers, endured a difficult campaign this year as PBKS exited the tournament in the league stage. His on-field struggles appear to have coincided with a noticeable shift in his online presence, prompting speculation about the reasons behind the move.
Underwhelming IPL 2026 performance
Arshdeep Singh’s IPL 2026 performance fell short of expectations. The pacer managed to pick up 14 wickets in 14 matches, but his economy rate exceeded 10 runs per over, which is considered high for a frontline bowler, especially one entrusted with crucial overs at the death.
Punjab Kings, despite showing glimpses of promise during the season, failed to maintain consistency and were eliminated before the playoffs. Arshdeep’s struggles mirrored the team’s overall inconsistency, as PBKS could not deliver the results needed to progress further in the tournament.
The 27-year-old has previously been praised for his calm temperament and ability to deliver under pressure. However, this season proved challenging, with opposing batters targeting him more aggressively, particularly in the latter stages of innings.
Social media clean-up raises eyebrows
Shortly after PBKS’ exit, fans noticed that Arshdeep had deleted a large portion of his Instagram posts. His profile, which previously featured a wide range of personal and professional content, has now been reduced to approximately 44 posts.
Among the deleted content was a widely circulated reel featuring Virat Kohli. The video, which had garnered over 1.5 crore views, captured a light-hearted exchange between the two cricketers.
In the reel, Arshdeep had jokingly told Kohli that he would have scored a century if the target had been higher. Kohli responded in jest, saying that Arshdeep might have conceded a century if conditions had been different. The playful interaction had been well received by fans and had gone viral on social media platforms
Its removal has particularly surprised followers, as the reel was seen as a positive and engaging moment between two prominent Indian cricketers.
Possible reasons behind the move
While Arshdeep has not publicly explained his decision, several factors could have contributed to the clean-up of his social media account.
One possible reason is the pressure associated with a disappointing season. Professional athletes often face intense scrutiny, and social media can amplify criticism. Reducing online visibility is sometimes a way for players to maintain focus and avoid distractions.
Another factor could be evolving guidelines around player-generated content. Reports suggest that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and franchises have been tightening rules regarding social media activity. These guidelines may require players to prioritise official channels for content related to team activities.
A team source had indicated that such rules are to be communicated clearly to players, with an emphasis on compliance. While no specific directive targeting Arshdeep has been confirmed, the timing of his social media activity has led to speculation about a possible link.
Additionally, the clean-up could be part of a broader effort to refresh his public image. Athletes occasionally archive or delete older posts to align their online presence with their current professional phase.
Continued importance in Indian cricket
Despite the recent dip in form, Arshdeep Singh remains a key figure in India’s white-ball setup. His ability to swing the new ball and execute yorkers in the death overs has been instrumental in several international matches.
Selectors and team management are likely to continue backing him, given his track record and potential. A temporary loss of form is not uncommon in cricket, and players often bounce back stronger after such phases.
For Punjab Kings as well, Arshdeep continues to be an important asset. The franchise will be hoping that he regains his rhythm ahead of the next season.
Conclusion
Arshdeep Singh’s decision to delete a large number of Instagram posts has added an intriguing off-field dimension to his IPL 2026 campaign. While the exact reason remains unclear, the move appears to reflect a combination of professional pressures, possible regulatory changes and personal choices.
As the focus shifts to upcoming international fixtures and future IPL seasons, the spotlight will be on how the young pacer responds to this phase in his career. A strong comeback could not only silence critics but also reinforce his position as one of India’s most promising fast bowlers.