Rajasthan Royals booked their place in the IPL 2026 playoffs in dramatic fashion after defeating Mumbai Indians by 30 runs at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday. The victory not only completed a league double over the five-time champions but also officially knocked Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders out of the playoff race.
Soon after the win, Rajasthan Royals’ social media team grabbed attention with a cheeky response aimed at Punjab Kings. RR posted “Panga na lo” on social media, appearing to mock PBKS following their elimination from IPL 2026.
The online rivalry between the two franchises had started earlier this season after Rajasthan defeated Punjab on April 28. Back then, RR shared a viral-style video featuring Donovan Ferreira saying “Sorry Bhai, aaj nahi” while holding his Player of the Match award.
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That post did not go down well with Punjab players. PBKS spinner Harpreet Brar later reacted by saying Rajasthan Royals had uploaded multiple reels targeting Punjab after the defeat. Brar had warned that fortunes in cricket change quickly and promised a strong response if Punjab managed to turn the tables later in the season.
However, Rajasthan had the final laugh. With the Mumbai Indians needing a win to indirectly help Punjab qualify, RR held their nerve under pressure and secured the final playoff spot. Riyan Parag and his side will now face Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Eliminator.
Panga na lo 😉 https://t.co/eKa8CqIM9c pic.twitter.com/w11Ff813hU
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) May 24, 2026
Earlier in the match, Rajasthan posted a competitive total of 205/8 after being asked to bat first. Yashasvi Jaiswal gave RR a flying start with 27 runs, while Dhruv Jurel top-scored with a composed 38.
Dasun Shanaka looked dangerous during his quickfire 29 before a mix-up resulted in a costly run-out. Later, Jofra Archer provided crucial late momentum with a blistering 32-run cameo.
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In reply, the Mumbai Indians never fully recovered after losing four wickets inside the powerplay. Suryakumar Yadav fought hard with a brilliant 60, while Will Jacks and Hardik Pandya chipped in with aggressive knocks. But Rajasthan’s disciplined bowling attack held firm to seal one of their biggest wins of the IPL 2026 season and confirm their return to the playoffs.
