• Source:JND

IPL 2026 Playoffs: Punjab Kings' social media strategy sparked intense scrutiny on Sunday after Rajasthan Royals surged into the playoffs, knocking out the Punjab-based franchise. RR conquered the Mumbai Indians in their final group-stage match in Mumbai, clinching their spot in the playoffs.

The Punjab-based franchise, criticized by experts for provoking fans on its social media accounts, faced trolling from the Rajasthan-based franchise after their playoff qualification.

They seized Punjab's tweet 'Sorry, Bhai! Aaj Nahi!' and fired back with the Arjun Kapoor meme. RR circulated the viral video showing Arjun stuck outside the door, while other guests streamed inside. RR twisted the knife as PBKS got eliminated on the last day of the group stage, outpacing them by one point in the standings.

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Watch the video here:

MEMES HAUNT PUNJAB KINGS

But why did the Rajasthan-based franchise choose to reply to the 'Sorry Bhai! Aaj Nahi tweet' to Punjab.

The Punjab-based franchise fired back at the Riyan Parag-led side following its loss to the Delhi Capitals earlier this month. PBKS sought to mock the Rajasthan-based franchise for a match they had not even played, since RR had previously joked about PBKS' loss.

The Rajasthan-based franchise deployed Salman Khan's viral 2014 tweet, in which he asked, 'Zintas team won kya?'

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 The Riyan Parag-led side shared the tweet along with a video of Donovan Ferreira after they toppled the Punjab-based franchise last month. RR captioned the post, 'Hold for it... "Sorry bhai, aaj nahi!"'

PUNJAB KINGS' SOCIAL MEDIA CONTROVERSIES

The Punjab-based franchise has endured numerous controversies this year. Their social media strategies frustrated and angered fans, who described them as toxic. Many felt justified in criticizing PBKS' online behavior, given the emotional sting caused by their responses to rival teams.

Apart from mocking the Riyan Parag-led side, PBKS tried to troll the Ajinkya Rahane-led side after their rain-induced match in Kolkata. Before that match, PBKS dazzled on a winning streak and teetered on the verge of qualifying for the playoffs. After the match was abandoned, PBKS's social media team posted a video of them dancing, claiming they donated 1 point to the Kolkata-based franchise.

But that one point hit them hard on Sunday, leaving PBKS stranded at 15 points—just one shy of Rajasthan's 16. The painful reality: a single point separated glory from heartbreak.

This year’s highlight: in a tournament as unforgiving as the IPL, teams must battle not only on the field, but also off the field.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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