Former India spinner reacts strongly after Arshdeep Singh’s viral comment towards Tilak Varma sparks controversy on social media.
India left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh has come under heavy scrutiny on social media after a video clip featuring Mumbai Indians batter Tilak Varma went viral online.
In the clip, Arshdeep was allegedly heard making a humorous remark towards Tilak, saying, “Oye Andhere, sunscreen lagaaya?” (Hey dark one, did you apply sunscreen?).”
The Punjab Kings pacer, currently featuring in IPL 2026, has since received criticism from several social media users, with many accusing him of mocking Tilak Varma’s skin tone. The incident quickly gained traction online and triggered debates around player conduct and racial sensitivity in cricket.
Laxman Sivaramakrishnan Calls For Strict Action Against Arshdeep
Former India spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan also reacted strongly to the controversy and demanded disciplinary action against Arshdeep Singh for the alleged remark.
“Nobody believed me. Everyone mocked and trolled me. 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. I am sure I would be trolled again,” Sivaramakrishnan posted on X.
The former cricketer had recently opened up about facing racism during his own playing days with the Indian team. Sivaramakrishnan recalled an incident from India’s tour of Pakistan when he was only 17 years old.
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According to him, then-India captain Sunil Gavaskar had arranged a cake for his birthday during the tour, but the celebration turned uncomfortable after a teammate allegedly made a racist comment.
Sivaramakrishnan Recalls Painful Incident From India Days
Speaking about the incident, Sivaramakrishnan revealed the exact words allegedly used by one of his teammates during the Pakistan tour.
“Hey Sunny, you ordered the right colour cake. Such a dark chocolate cake for a dark boy,” Sivaramakrishnan recalled a teammate as telling Gavaskar, according to a report in The Indian Express.
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Sivaramakrishnan represented India in 9 Tests and 16 ODIs between 1983 and 1987 and picked up a combined 41 wickets during his international career, including three five-wicket hauls. After retiring from cricket, he later became a prominent cricket commentator.
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