Ahmedabad: Royal Challengers Bengaluru broke an 18-year jinx to lift the IPL trophy in Ahmedabad on June 3, and Punjab Kings co-owner Preity Zinta’s heartfelt yet rousing response to her team’s loss went viral and moved fans worldwide.
Punjab Kings’ (PBKS) dreams of winning the IPL 2025 title were crushed by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium, as they won their first title after 18 years of falling short. The win, by captain Rajat Patidar and stand-in Virat Kohli, sparked jubilant scenes in India as fans took to the streets to celebrate in Bengaluru and Hyderabad. And then this season, RCB chased PBKS’s 191 and wrapped it up with an 8-wicket win as Kohli’s emotional celebrations were splashed all over the papers.
Shreyas Iyer-led Punjab Kings had a fabulous season, finishing atop the league stage and making their first final since 2014. PBKS’s challenge was an uphill one after falling flat for 101 in 14.1 overs in the Qualifier 1 and continuing to flounder in the summit clash following the early departure of Iyer (1). Preity Zinta, with tears in her eyes, walked out onto the field to comfort her players, co-owned her team on model and a smiling one too, in a post-match scene that was a perfect mix of smiles and grief.
Zinta was caught on a viral video walking into the ground, discussing with Iyer and coach Ricky Ponting – and the fans stood behind her for not just her involvement in the match but also for her state of mind displayed on the field. Earlier in the season, her celebration after PBKS’s triumph in Qualifier 2 against the Mumbai Indians went viral and displayed her unflinching enthusiasm. The dimpled beauty remained rooted to IPL, despite settling down abroad post-marriage, supporting her team during the auctions and at matches, where she would be at her vociferous best.
Fans on X began to express their heartbreak and commend Zinta for her unwavering commitment. “Bhai, yeh bhi to 18 saal se wait hi kar rahi hai,” wrote one, referring to her 18-year association with PBKS and paralleling it with RCB’s wait. Someone else expressed sympathy for #Preity Zinta. She’s at least deserving of a trophy.” RJ Mahvash and PBKS star Yuzvendra Chahal (formerly of RCB) have been rumoured to be in a relationship, and she surely did not disappoint, even as Anushka Sharma rejoiced at her team’s win in complete contrast to the mood at the PBKS camp.
PBKS had to rely on resilience in what was an unforgettable campaign, featuring several exceptional performances from the likes of Priyansh Arya (62 off 35 in Qualifier 1) and Nehal Wadhera (70 off 37 against Rajasthan Royals). They finally qualified for the playoffs with a 10-run victory over the Rajasthan Royals on May 18, 2025, ending an 11-year playoff drought and prompting Zinta to commend the team’s “grit and leadership.”
The victory was a significant achievement for RCB, and Preity Zinta, despite her emotions, demonstrated her strong bond with her beloved Punjab Kings. As she gets ready for her big screen comeback with Lahore 1947, fans wish that her love for PBKS will be finally rewarded with an elusive IPL trophy.
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