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

A Dramatic Turn in the IPL 2026 Playoff Race

The intensity of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 reached its zenith during match no. 69. In a fixture that carried immense weight for the tournament standings, the Rajasthan Royals faced off against the five-time champions, the Mumbai Indians. The outcome of this encounter did not merely influence the points table; it served as the definitive knockout blow that dashed the playoff hopes of the Punjab Kings (PBKS) and the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

As the dust settled on the Rajasthan Royals’ 30-run victory, the team’s social media presence became the talk of the town. In a move that perfectly captured the rivalry of the season, the RR admin revives Salman Khan meme to mock PBKS after knockout blow, signaling a triumphant end to their own qualification journey.

The Digital Rivalry Explained

The social media banter between these two franchises has been a recurring theme throughout the 2026 season. It all began on April 28, following a Rajasthan victory over the Punjab Kings. On that occasion, the Royals utilized a viral clip of Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, featuring Donovan Ferreira saying, ‘Sorry Bhai, aaj nahi’ (Sorry brother, not today) while posing with his Player of the Match trophy.

The Punjab Kings, particularly their left-arm spinner Harpreet Brar, did not take the trolling lightly. Brar had previously voiced his frustration, noting that the Royals were utilizing social media to taunt their opponents consistently. He had warned that fortunes in cricket are fickle and that ‘Dal Bhati Churma’—a nod to Rajasthan’s cuisine—would eventually be burned when the Punjab Kings finally secured a victory. Brar had remained defiant, suggesting that even if not today, the Punjab Kings would have their moment of reckoning.

The Final Word on the Pitch and the Feed

The Royals were unfazed by the warnings. Following their decisive victory in match no. 69, they doubled down on their digital campaign. Responding to a previous tweet from PBKS that read, ‘Sorry bhai, aaj nahi!’, the Royals’ official account fired back with, ‘Panga na lo’ (Don’t mess). Furthermore, they shared another video featuring Bollywood actor Arjun Kapoor to further emphasize their dominance.

This social media activity serves as the backdrop to a hard-fought cricketing victory. Batting first, the Rajasthan Royals posted a competitive total of 205/8. While Yashasvi Jaiswal provided a quick start, the innings was stabilized by a crucial 45-run partnership between Dhruv Jurel and Dasun Shanaka. Jofra Archer, showing his utility with the bat, added a valuable 32, while Jurel anchored the effort with a resilient 38.

In the chase, the Mumbai Indians found themselves under immense pressure early on, losing four wickets within the powerplay. Although Suryakumar Yadav fought back with a brilliant 60 and Will Jacks contributed a quick-fire 33 off 18 balls, the target proved too steep. Despite a valiant 34 from captain Hardik Pandya, Mumbai Indians fell short, confirming Rajasthan’s path to the playoffs.

Looking Ahead to the Eliminator

With their spot in the playoffs now secure, the Rajasthan Royals, led by Riyan Parag, are shifting their focus toward the next stage of the competition. They are set to face the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in what promises to be a high-stakes Eliminator clash. The irony of the situation is not lost on the fans: while the Royals prepare for their next challenge, the Punjab Kings are left reflecting on a campaign that promised so much but ultimately ended in heartbreak, punctuated by the relentless social media wit of their rivals.

This incident highlights the growing importance of brand personality in modern sports, where the digital presence is often just as competitive as the action on the field. As the tournament moves into its final phases, the Rajasthan Royals have proven that they are just as aggressive in their pursuit of victory off the pitch as they are on it.