Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) became the first team to qualify for the IPL 2026 Playoffs, defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 23 runs in Dharamshala. This critical victory triggered a massive wave of fan-made Virat Kohli video edits on Instagram Reels and X, heavily utilizing the high-energy Bollywood track "Ud Daa Punjab". The viral sensation represents a culmination of on-field dominance, tactical redemption, and an escalating social media war between the two franchises. The intense rivalry between the two teams reached a boiling point during the previous season. Initially, PBKS fans and social media managers frequently trolled RCB. Earlier in the 2026 season, when PBKS reached 49/1 in 4.3 overs during a match, their official handles posted
the scoreline to playfully mock RCB’s infamous historical lowest total of 49 all-out.
However, that exact moment marked a massive shift in momentum. Following that post, Punjab Kings suffered a catastrophic downfall, losing six consecutive matches. RCB's decisive victory on May 17, 2026, officially sealed Punjab's struggles while securing the defending champions' spot in the top four. The edits became a point of discussion as in April 28, 2026 when Punjab lost a wicket and was struggling to make runs, the social media team took a dig at the RCB 49/10 score, as they posted a tweet with 49/1. This post has also become a major talking-point, as Punjab Kings have been on a losing streak since then.
49/1 (4.3 overs)
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) April 28, 2026
Kohli Edits on Udta Punjab Song after RCB Match - Absolute Cinema 🥵🔥 pic.twitter.com/4nLWILGm3V
— cricket videos (@RizwanStum60450) May 17, 2026
RCB qualifies for IPL 2026 playoffs after match against PBKS
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) became the first team to secure an official IPL 2026 playoff spot after a dominating 23-run victory over the Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the picturesque HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala. With 18 points and a tournament-best Net Run Rate (NRR) of +1.065, the defending champions have firmly asserted their supremacy at the top of the table. The high-altitude run-fest showcased a masterful blend of tactical shifts, batting depth, and ice-cold execution under pressure. Asked to bat first on a lively Dharamshala wicket, RCB faced an immediate hurdle when opener Jacob Bethell fell cheaply. However, Virat Kohli (58 off 37 balls) and Devdutt Padikkal (45 off 25 balls) weathered the initial movement, shifting gears swiftly to counter-attack Harpreet Brar and Yuzvendra Chahal.
Chasing 223, Punjab Kings were instantly broken by RCB's frontline pace. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood throttled the powerplay, reducing PBKS to a dismal 19/3. While Marcus Stoinis (37) and Cooper Connolly (37) built mini-partnerships, the required run-rate quickly spiked past 15 runs per over. Shashank Singh threatened an improbable heist, smashing a blistering 56 off 27 balls embedded with heavy boundary hitting. Despite panic creeping into the RCB dugout as Punjab hunted 40 runs from the final two overs, death-overs specialist Rasikh Salam held his nerve. Salam took 3 wickets for 36 runs to bowl out PBKS for 199. RCB’s final league match is an away fixture against Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 22.
