Punjab Kings Break the Jinx After 11 Years
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season has seen plenty of high-octane drama. But nothing comes close to the emotional moment witnessed during the Qualifier 2 match between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Mumbai Indians. After an intense battle at the crease, PBKS emerged victorious, booking their spot in the IPL final after a long wait of 11 years. The win wasn’t just about numbers—it was a culmination of years of effort, heartbreak, and resilience. What made the victory even more special was the emotional reaction of PBKS co-owner. Bollywood actress Preity Zinta, who was seen celebrating with star captain Shreyas Iyer in a moment that has now gone viral.
Shreyas Iyer’s Heroics Seal the Deal
Shreyas Iyer was the undisputed hero of the night. The skipper played a sensational innings, scoring an unbeaten 87 off just 41 balls. His explosive knock included eight sixes and showcased his composure and class under pressure. Chasing a daunting target of 204 set by Mumbai Indians. PBKS looked in trouble early on, but Iyer took control of the innings with brilliant shot selection and a fearless approach.
His partnership with Liam Livingstone in the middle overs kept the scoreboard ticking and brought the required run rate under control. When the winning runs were hit, the dugout erupted in joy. And the cameras instantly caught a jubilant Preity Zinta running onto the field to congratulate Iyer. The hug between the co-owner and the captain became the image of the night—symbolizing the emotional journey PBKS has undergone over the years.
Preity Zinta’s Passionate Reaction Wins Hearts
- Preity Zinta is not new to wearing her heart on her sleeve when it comes to supporting her IPL team. Over the years, she has been a constant presence in the stands. Cheering for her team regardless of their position on the points table. But this time, her emotions were especially raw and visible. As the final run was scored, Zinta stood up with teary eyes and a wide smile, applauding her team’s achievement. Her hug with Shreyas Iyer was more than a congratulatory gesture—it was a thank you for bringing her dream closer to reality.
- Later, she was seen laughing, celebrating, and even giving a playful wink that lit up social media. The internet erupted with love for Zinta, hailing her as the “most loyal IPL team owner” and praising her dedication through all these years of ups and downs.
Social Media Reaction: Fans Celebrate With Preity
- Almost instantly, videos and images of Preity Zinta’s celebration went viral. Twitter and Instagram were flooded with fans expressing how touching the moment was. Many called it one of the most genuine celebrations in IPL history. One user tweeted, “This hug between Preity Zinta and Shreyas Iyer has more emotion than any film I’ve seen this year!” Another fan wrote. “Only someone who has been through the losses can feel this win like Preity Zinta.”
- Hashtags like #PBKSFinals, #PreityZinta, and #ShreyasIyer trended for hours. The team’s official Instagram page posted a clip of the duo’s hug, captioning it, “From struggle to strength. This is our moment.”
Road to the Final: PBKS vs RCB
- Punjab Kings will now face Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL 2025 final. Both teams have a history of making it to the playoffs but falling short of the trophy. For RCB, this is another shot at redemption, while for PBKS. This could finally be the fairytale ending they’ve waited for since their last final appearance in 2014.
- RCB, led by Faf du Plessis and powered by consistent performances from Virat Kohli and Glenn Maxwell, will be a tough opponent. But with the kind of form Shreyas Iyer is in, and the momentum PBKS has carried into the final, the match promises to be one for the ages.
From Struggles to Success: The PBKS Journey
- The Punjab Kings’ journey to the final hasn’t been easy. Over the years, the team has faced heavy criticism for inconsistent performances, frequent captaincy changes, and failing to build a strong core team. But this season, things have clicked. The addition of Shreyas Iyer as captain has brought new energy to the side. The team has looked more settled, and their bowling unit. Backed by Arshdeep Singh and Kagiso Rabada, has delivered match after match.
- With a solid combination of youth and experience, PBKS has shown that they are not just here to participate—they’re here to win. The franchise’s ability to bounce back and prove critics wrong is a testimony to their perseverance and planning.
Final Thoughts: A Story of Dreams and Determination
- The sight of Preity Zinta celebrating passionately with Shreyas Iyer is more than just a viral moment—it represents the passion and belief that the team and its supporters have carried for years. For Zinta, who has stuck with the team through all its ups and downs, reaching the final feels like a personal victory.
- Now, as PBKS heads into the grand finale, the entire nation watches with bated breath. Will this be the year the Punjab Kings finally lift the trophy? No one knows. But one thing is certain—win or lose, they’ve already won the hearts of millions with their incredible journey and emotional moments that remind us why we love this game.
- The final match is scheduled for June 3, and whether you’re a PBKS fan or not, this is one showdown you won’t want to miss.
