Punjab Kings bowler Harpreet Brar has become the talk of social media after sharing a hilarious video that exposed an alleged 'fake fan' in a candid encounter that left cricket fans divided.
The Viral Social Media Moment
On November 28, the Indian cricketer took to his Instagram stories to share a video that quickly captured the attention of millions across social media platforms. In the now-viral clip, Brar can be heard speaking in Punjabi as he recounts his unusual interaction with a supposed admirer.
"I met a guy who said I am your fan. He gave me his phone and he is not even following me," Brar revealed in the video, expressing his surprise upon discovering that the person claiming to be his fan wasn't actually following him on social media.
How the Uncomfortable Encounter Unfolded
The situation took an awkward turn when Brar, after checking the fan's social media account, handed back the phone and delivered his now-famous line: "You are not following me…. This world is full of fake people."
The drama didn't end there. When the individual subsequently asked for a selfie with the cricketer, Brar delivered what many are calling the perfect comeback: "Now it is of no use. Come back day after."
Social Media Divided Over Brar's Approach
The video sparked intense reactions across social media platforms, with users taking strongly opposing views on the incident.
Many users praised Brar's handling of the situation, with one supporter commenting: "Brar handled it perfectly! So many fake 'fans' just want a moment, not the support. That reply — 'now of no use' — absolutely savage and true!"
Another user appreciated the entertainment value, stating: "Teams with the entertainers," while a third highlighted the cultural aspect: "Humour of Punjabis is always at another level."
However, not everyone was impressed with Brar's approach. Some users criticized the cricketer for what they perceived as unfair judgment. One critic argued: "I don't follow anyone whom I love…..neither the politicians whom I support, neither the cricketers whom I love, nor my favourite actors. Following them on social media is one thing and loving them in real world is another."
Privacy concerns were also raised, with one user questioning: "He is breaking someone's privacy. Why he opened and recorded his social media account?" Another defended the fan's perspective: "What if someone doesn't want to see his Instagram? but he is watching all his domestic matches. I don't want to see his Instagram content; I want to see his cricket. Judging someone on his followers is so immature."
Brar's Cricket Career Context
This viral incident occurred following the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy match against Haryana at the Gymkhana Ground in Hyderabad. Brar is currently representing the Punjab team in India's premier T20 domestic tournament.
The 30-year-old spinner first gained prominence in 2019 after his domestic debut for Punjab during the Vijay Hazare Trophy. His career trajectory includes representing his state at U-16, U-19, and U-22 levels before breaking into the national consciousness.
Brar became a household name when he achieved a significant milestone in IPL 2019 by taking his maiden IPL wicket - none other than cricket superstar Virat Kohli during a match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
More recently, in IPL 2025, the bowler claimed 10 wickets, playing a crucial role in Punjab Kings' journey to the IPL final for the first time in a decade, demonstrating his growing importance in the team's success.
The incident highlights the complex relationship between modern cricketers and their fans in the digital age, where social media following has become a new metric for measuring popularity and engagement in the sports world.
