Kings of Punjab opener Prabhsimran Singh appeared to fend off speculation on social media about his fitness after he shared a shirtless photo on Instagram, a post that quickly sparked a new frenzy among fans.
The post came amid unverified claims circulating online that the batter had gained 10 kilograms in body weight during his recent break.
Social media chatter also suggested that some Punjab Kings players were getting complacent, with allegations of missed training sessions and missed flights linked to the team’s recent slump. However, none of these claims have been independently verified. Prabhsimran Singh puts an end to rumors of gaining weight in IPL 2026. (Image: Instagram Story/ Prabhsimran Singh)
PRABHSIMRAN OUT OF FORM?
Prabhsimran Singh has been the second highest run-scorer for Punjab Kings this season, amassing 382 runs in 10 innings at an average of 42.44 and a strike rate of 169.02, including four half-centuries. Only Australian youngster Cooper Connolly has scored more for PBKS, with 415 runs in 10 innings at an average of 51.87 and a strike rate of 168.01, including one century and two fifties.
However, Prabhsimran has endured a lean patch in recent matches, managing scores of 18 against Delhi Capitals, 3 against Sunrisers Hyderabad and 15 against Gujarat Titans.
His dip in form coupled with a slowdown in his explosive opening partnership with Priyansh Arya coincided with Punjab Kings mid-season slump, with the side losing four games in a row after starting the campaign with a seven-game unbeaten run that included six wins and one draw.
PBKS BACK SOCIAL MEDIA CRITICISM
Formerly co-owner of the franchise Preity Zinta called on “verified voices and media professionals” to “exercise responsibility” and not spread misinformation. Zinta’s post comes after PBKS lost to Delhi Capitals (DC) on Monday, their fourth straight loss after a seven-match unbeaten streak that included six wins and no draws.
In the midst of this slump, there were reports in the media of a lack of discipline on the part of the players, whether off the field or in training. Zinta denied the reports and claims, warning that “the deliberate spreading of false narratives about the team and its players will not be taken lightly”.
“There is a difference between criticism and calculated misinformation. Healthy debate about the game is welcome, but the deliberate spreading of false narratives to harm an individual, team or brand should not and will not be taken lightly. I call on everyone, including verified voices and media professionals, to take responsibility before spreading unverified information. Thank you,” Zinta wrote on her official X. The PBKS owner responded to unverified claims that are running amok on social networks. (Image: X/ Preity Zinta)
With the Punjab Kings still in the thick of the playoffs, the focus will now shift back to whether the team can stop the on-field slide while the off-field buzz around the franchise continues to grow.
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
13 May 2026 16:10 IST
