Amid PBKS decline, Prabhsimran Singh hits back at his critics (Photo: Prabhsimran/Instagram)
Punjab Kings opener Prabhsimran Singh appears to be responding to growing criticism on social media in the wake of PBKS’ poor performance in IPL 2026, as he backs the stand taken recently by franchise co-owner Preity Zinta and the team management against misinformation and fake narratives online.Punjab Kings suffered a dramatic mid-season collapse after enjoying a seven-game unbeaten streak, which included six wins and one match without a result. The team have now suffered four straight defeats, putting their playoff hopes under pressure and attracting intense scrutiny online.The 25-year-old batsman, who has been one of PBKS’ main performers over the past few seasons, posted an Instagram story seemingly aimed at stopping the criticism surrounding his physique and form.
The post included a photo showing his physique along with a “shut up” emoji, a move that many fans interpreted as a direct response to narratives circulating on social media.
Earlier, Preity Zinta strongly criticized the spread of “false narratives” surrounding the team and urged media professionals and social media users to act responsibly before amplifying unverified reports.“There is a difference between criticism and calculated misinformation.
“Healthy debate about the game is welcome, but intentionally spreading false narratives to harm an individual, team, or brand should not and will not be taken lightly,” Zinta wrote on X’s website.
PBKS also issued a similar statement urging everyone to “check facts before spreading misinformation to gain attention or traction.”“Criticism, banter and opinions are part of sport. Fake stories and made-up narratives for cheap participation are not.
We urge everyone to check the facts before spreading misinformation to gain attention or gain.”
Despite a dip in form recently, Prabhsimran remains the second-highest run-scorer for Punjab Kings this season with 382 runs in 10 innings at an average of 42.44 and a strike rate of 169.02, including four half-centuries. Only Cooper Connolly has scored more runs for PBKS this season, with 415 runs in 10 innings.Punjab Kings now face a must-win clash against Mumbai Indians in Dharamshala as they attempt to revive their campaign and remain in the top four. With Mumbai already eliminated from the playoff contention, PBKS will be hoping to avoid another setback in what has become a tense race in the playoffs.
