RR admin revives Salman Khan meme to mock PBKS after knockout blow

A Dramatic Turn in the IPL 2026 Season

The intensity of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 reached a fever pitch during match no. 69. In a reverse fixture that carried massive implications for the points table, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) took on the five-time champions, Mumbai Indians (MI). By securing a decisive 30-run victory, the Men in Pink not only completed a double over the Mumbai giants but also officially punched their ticket to the playoffs. Unfortunately for the Punjab Kings (PBKS) and the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), this result served as the final nail in the coffin for their respective campaigns.

The Digital Rivalry Escalates

True to their reputation for being the most entertaining social media handlers in the league, the Rajasthan Royals admin did not miss the opportunity to stir the pot. Following their victory, the official handle targeted Shreyas Iyer’s side with a sharp reply to a previous tweet. When PBKS previously lost to the Delhi Capitals, they had posted, “Sorry bhai, aaj nahi!” (Sorry, brother, not today). The Royals responded with a chilling, “Panga na lo” (Don’t mess), effectively claiming bragging rights.

The roots of this online spat date back to April 28, following a Rajasthan Royals win over the Punjab Kings. On that occasion, the RR admin shared a video of Donovan Ferreira holding his Player of the Match trophy, mimicking a viral Salman Khan dialogue: “Sorry Bhai, aaj nahi.” This set the stage for a season-long narrative of banter between the two franchises.

Harpreet Brar, the left-arm spinner for Punjab, had previously voiced his frustration, noting that the Royals were consistently targeting his team with reels. Brar had issued a warning, suggesting that fortunes in cricket are fickle and that the Punjab Kings would eventually have their day. He even referenced the “Dal Bhati Churma” catchphrase, warning the Royals to be prepared for when the tide eventually turned. Despite the warnings, the Royals had the last laugh in the qualification race.

The Match Action: Rajasthan’s Path to Victory

The match itself was a spectacle of tactical cricket. Mumbai Indians won the toss and elected to field, hoping to restrict the Royals on a tricky surface. Yashasvi Jaiswal provided a blistering start with 27 runs, though his partner Vaibhav Sooryavanshi struggled to find his rhythm, departing for just four. Riyan Parag followed shortly after, contributing only 14 runs to the total.

A critical middle-order stabilization came from Dhruv Jurel and Dasun Shanaka, who shared a valuable 45-run partnership. Despite a communication breakdown leading to a run-out for Shanaka (29), Jofra Archer stepped up in a rare batting cameo, scoring 32. Combined with Jurel’s steady 38, the Royals managed to post a challenging total of 205/8 in their 20 overs.

In response, the Mumbai Indians faltered early under the pressure of the chase. Losing four wickets within the powerplay proved too steep a mountain to climb. While Suryakumar Yadav played a magnificent knock of 60 and Will Jacks provided a quick-fire 33 off 18 balls, they lacked the necessary support to cross the finish line. Captain Hardik Pandya contributed 34, but the MI charge ultimately fell short of the target.

Moving Toward the Eliminator

With their playoff spot secured, the Rajasthan Royals are now turning their attention to the next stage of the tournament. The team is scheduled to face the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Eliminator. The mood in the RR camp is one of high confidence, bolstered by their ability to thrive under pressure both on the field and in the digital arena.

The mocking of PBKS, who relied on an MI win to keep their own hopes alive, highlights the ruthless nature of the IPL. The use of a viral Arjun Kapoor video to troll the opposition post-match added another layer to the social media saga that has defined this year’s interactions between the franchises. As the tournament progresses toward its conclusion, fans can only wait to see if the Royals’ playful arrogance will continue to pay off or if they will face a backlash from their upcoming opponents in the Eliminator.