Punjab Kings’ red-hot start to IPL 2026 has drawn attention from across the cricket and entertainment worlds—but few endorsements have resonated quite like Salman Khan’s.
As PBKS continue to establish themselves as early title contenders, the Bollywood superstar’s public message to co-owner Preity Zinta has gone viral, symbolizing both the franchise’s resurgence and a full-circle cultural moment more than a decade in the making.
Salman Khan’s message sparks viral moment
At the peak of Punjab Kings’ strong run, Salman Khan took to social media with a simple but widely shared post:
“Well done, Zinta. Congratulations, Zinta. Team is playing well … @realpreityzinta,” Salman wrote on X.
Well done Zinta,Congratulations Zinta, Team is playing well …. @realpreityzinta
— Salman Khan (@BeingSalmanKhan) April 13, 2026
The message instantly reignited memories of his famous 2014 tweet—“Zinta’s team won kya?”—which had long been used as a punchline during Punjab’s inconsistent years.
This time, however, the narrative has flipped. What was once playful skepticism has turned into genuine admiration, with fans framing the latest post as a long-awaited sequel.
Fans embrace the ‘sequel’
The internet response was immediate and emphatic:
One wrote, “Sequel released after 12 years. Tiger Zinta hai.”
Another said, “first time was so much fun, he had to do it twice.”
“Punjab didn’t play yesterday , They are not playing today. But Salman’s love towards Zinta is everyday,” another comment read.
Punjab Kings’ IPL 2026 campaign built on fearless batting
Beyond the social media buzz, Punjab Kings’ performances have backed up the hype.
After finishing runners-up in IPL 2025, the franchise has carried its momentum into 2026, remaining unbeaten in its opening matches and climbing into the top two on the points table.
Their success has been built on an aggressive batting philosophy. In their latest statement win, PBKS chased down 220 against Sunrisers Hyderabad, powered by Priyansh Arya (57 off 20 balls), Prabhsimran Sing (51 off 25), and Shreyas Iyer (unbeaten 69 off 33).
Faf du Plessis: PBKS “among the title favourites”
Former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis has been particularly impressed with Punjab’s batting depth and overall balance.
“PBKS batters are doing really well, and that is helping them in the IPL once again. Last season, all their batters played a crucial role in helping them reach the final. This season, their batting unit is delivering again,” du Plessis said while speaking on Star Sports.
He also highlighted Iyer’s leadership and timely return to form:
“Captain Shreyas Iyer is the only top-four batter who hadn’t got runs so far, and he comes in and not only gets a big score but takes his team through against SRH,” he added.
While acknowledging minor concerns in the bowling unit, du Plessis made it clear they are not significant:
“I think PBKS are ticking every box. They are a very formidable side. Yes, there are still a few questions. Arshdeep Singh is perhaps not bowling as well as he would want. Marco Jansen had an off day. But none of this is serious,” he said.
He concluded with a strong endorsement:
“But none of this is serious. For me, they are among the title favourites.”
From meme to momentum: PBKS rewrite their narrative
For a number of years, Punjab Kings were defined by inconsistency—and Salman Khan’s viral tweet became shorthand for their struggles.
In IPL 2026, that narrative has shifted decisively. With results, balance, and belief all aligning, PBKS are no longer the punchline. They are a serious contender—with cultural momentum to match their on-field dominance.
And as the season progresses, the question is no longer “Zinta’s team won kya?”—but whether anyone can stop them.
