RR admin revives Salman Khan meme to mock PBKS after knockout blow
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The Playoff Push and Digital Banter
In the high-stakes environment of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, the digital rivalry between franchises often matches the intensity of the action on the field. Following a crucial 30-run victory over the Mumbai Indians (MI) in match number 69, the Rajasthan Royals have not only secured their playoff berth but also reignited their social media feud with the Punjab Kings (PBKS). As the dust settles on the league stage, the RR admin revives Salman Khan meme to mock PBKS after knockout blow, solidifying the team’s position as much as their dominant performance on the pitch.
The victory for Rajasthan was pivotal, effectively ending the postseason aspirations of both the Punjab Kings and the Kolkata Knight Riders. With their fate essentially resting on the results of other matches, the Punjab Kings found themselves on the outside looking in once the Royals secured their points.
A History of Viral Digs
The digital sparring between these two franchises is well-documented. The tension traces back to April 28, when the Rajasthan Royals first utilized a viral clip of Bollywood superstar Salman Khan. In that instance, they shared a video featuring Donovan Ferreira sitting beside his Player of the Match trophy, echoing the famous dialogue, “Sorry Bhai, aaj nahi” (Sorry brother, not today). This move was intended to taunt the Punjab Kings following their defeat.
The Punjab Kings, particularly their left-arm spinner Harpreet Brar, did not take these digital jabs lightly. Brar had previously remarked that the Rajasthan Royals were consistently targeting his side with reels, suggesting that the tables could turn at any moment. He even issued a warning, stating that if the Punjab Kings were to defeat the Royals, he would respond in kind. Brar famously predicted that the Royals’ local specialty, ‘Dal Bhati Churma,’ would burn on that day, implying that the Royals would eventually face the same disappointment.
The Final Knockout
After their victory against Mumbai, the Royals wasted no time in settling the score. Referencing the earlier banter, the RR social media team tweeted, “Panga na lo” (Don’t mess), effectively closing the chapter on this specific rivalry for the season. To further emphasize the point, they shared a clip featuring actor Arjun Kapoor to troll the Punjab side, whose playoff qualification was ultimately derailed by the outcomes of other matches.
The social media activity was a direct response to the Punjab Kings’ earlier post, where they had tweeted, “Sorry bhai, aaj nahi!” after a win against the Delhi Capitals. The irony was not lost on cricket fans as the Royals flipped the script, using the same sentiment against them to celebrate their advancement to the Eliminator, where they are scheduled to face the Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Match Summary: Rajasthan Royals vs. Mumbai Indians
Beyond the digital antics, the match itself was a spectacle of resilience. Mumbai Indians won the toss and elected to field. Rajasthan Royals had a mixed start; Yashasvi Jaiswal looked dangerous with a quick 27, but the momentum slowed as Vaibhav Sooryavanshi fell for just four runs. Riyan Parag also departed early, scoring 14, which left the Royals in a precarious position.
A partnership of 45 runs between Dhruv Jurel and Dasun Shanaka provided stability, though a chaotic run-out saw Shanaka depart for 29. Jofra Archer provided a vital contribution with the bat, scoring 32, while Jurel anchored the innings with a solid 38. The Royals eventually posted a challenging total of 205/8.
In response, Mumbai Indians struggled early, losing four wickets inside the power play. Although Suryakumar Yadav fought back with an impressive 60 runs and Will Jacks added 33 off 18 balls, the required run rate proved too steep. Captain Hardik Pandya contributed 34, but ultimately, the Mumbai side fell short, handing the Royals the victory they needed to keep their trophy hopes alive.
As the Royals prepare for the next phase of the tournament, their off-field confidence remains as high as their on-field performance. For now, the Rajasthan Royals enjoy the bragging rights, having ensured the Punjab Kings remain on the sidelines for the remainder of the playoffs.
