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

The Playoff Push and Digital Banter

The TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 reached a fever pitch during match number 69. As the dust settled on a high-octane encounter between the Mumbai Indians (MI) and the Rajasthan Royals (RR), the implications for the points table were seismic. The Men in Pink delivered a clinical performance, securing a 30-run victory that not only solidified their standing but effectively ended the playoff aspirations for the Punjab Kings (PBKS) and the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

Known for their cheeky and often viral social media presence, the Rajasthan Royals’ digital team did not miss the opportunity to celebrate. In a move that quickly gained traction across platforms, the RR admin revives Salman Khan meme to mock PBKS after knockout blow, referencing their previous interactions during the season. This digital warfare has been a persistent subplot to the intense cricket played on the field.

A History of Social Media Rivalry

The tension between the two franchises can be traced back to April 28, following a victory for the Royals over the Punjab Kings. On that occasion, RR shared a video of Donovan Ferreira holding his Player of the Match trophy, famously using the catchphrase, “Sorry Bhai, aaj nahi” (Sorry, brother, not today), borrowing from the iconic Salman Khan style. The banter took a turn when Punjab Kings spinner Harpreet Brar criticized the move, suggesting that fortunes in cricket are fickle and that the Punjab Kings would eventually respond on the field.

Brar had previously warned that if the Punjab Kings managed to secure a win over the Royals, the repercussions would be severe. He famously predicted that the team’s “Dal Bhati Churma” would “burn” on that day. However, following the latest results, it seems the Rajasthan Royals have managed to have the final laugh, at least for this season, by clinching a playoff spot while PBKS bow out of the tournament.

The Match Recap: Rajasthan Royals vs. Mumbai Indians

The game itself was a display of grit. Mumbai Indians won the toss and elected to field, hoping to restrict the Royals on a tricky surface. Yashasvi Jaiswal provided a quick spark with 27 runs, but the Royals faced early pressure as Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Riyan Parag departed cheaply. A stabilizing partnership of 45 runs between Dhruv Jurel and Dasun Shanaka provided the necessary platform, despite an unfortunate run-out of Shanaka. Contributions from Jofra Archer (32) and Dhruv Jurel (38) propelled the Royals to a competitive total of 205/8.

In response, the Mumbai Indians faltered early, losing four wickets inside the power play. Although Suryakumar Yadav fought back with a brilliant 60-run knock and Will Jacks contributed 33 off just 18 deliveries, the target proved too steep. Captain Hardik Pandya added 34, but it was not enough to overcome the disciplined bowling attack of the Royals.

Looking Ahead to the Eliminator

With this victory, the Rajasthan Royals have confirmed their qualification for the playoffs. They are now set to face the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Eliminator. The stakes are at an all-time high as the tournament approaches its climax. For the Punjab Kings, the focus now shifts to rebuilding and reflecting on a season that promised much but ultimately ended in heartbreak.

The rivalry between social media teams adds an extra layer of entertainment to the TATA IPL. While the cricket remains the primary focus, the digital engagement continues to keep fans involved, turning every match into a story that transcends the boundary ropes. Whether the “Panga” continues into the next season remains to be seen, but for now, the Rajasthan Royals remain firmly in the driver’s seat as they march toward the trophy.