Punjab Kings saw their IPL 2026 campaign end in dramatic fashion on Sunday and it was not just the on-field result that grabbed attention. After Rajasthan Royals secured the final playoff spot with a dominant victory over Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium, RR’s social media team quickly turned the spotlight on Punjab with a viral response online.
Rajasthan Royals confirmed their place in the playoffs after defeating Mumbai Indians by 30 runs in a must-win clash. The victory also ended Punjab Kings’ hopes of qualifying for the knockouts. Soon after the match, Rajasthan revived an old social media exchange with Punjab by replying to their earlier “Sorry bhai, aaj nahi!” post using a popular meme featuring actor Arjun Kapoor standing locked outside a party while others walked in.
The post immediately went viral, with fans linking it to Punjab’s disappointing finish in the playoff race.
The online rivalry between the two franchises had started earlier in the season. On April 29, Rajasthan had used actor Salman Khan’s famous “Zinta’s team won kya?” dialogue after beating Punjab Kings. Later, RR shared a video of Donovan Ferreira with the caption “Hold for it… Sorry bhai, aaj nahi!” Punjab then responded days later after Rajasthan lost to Delhi Capitals, despite not being involved in that match.
Throughout the IPL 2026, Punjab Kings’ social media activity often drew criticism from fans, many of whom felt the franchise was unnecessarily provocative online. Another controversial moment came after their rain-affected game against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens, when Punjab posted a dance video joking that they had “donated” one point to Ajinkya Rahane’s side.
That shared point eventually proved costly. Punjab finished with 15 points, just one behind Rajasthan Royals’ total of 16.
Meanwhile, Rajasthan’s playoff-clinching win was powered by Jofra Archer, who smashed 32 runs off 15 balls and later picked up 3 wickets for 17 runs to help RR defend 205.
In the IPL 2026 playoffs, Rajasthan Royals will face Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Eliminator, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru take on Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1.
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