Sorry Salman Khan! Zinta's team did not win but she won hearts with her dedication & loyalty since 18 years

In a twist only social media could script, an old tweet by Salman Khan from 2014 resurfaced and took over the internet just as the Punjab Kings made their way to the IPL 2025 final. The tweet, which read, "Zinta's team won kya?", was originally posted during an earlier season, but suddenly found new meaning and momentum a decade later. What started as a nostalgic recall turned into a full-blown viral moment, symbolizing a long-awaited dream that was almost just almost, fulfilled.

Punjab Kings, led by a resurgent squad, had finally broken their playoff jinx and stormed into the final after defeating Mumbai Indians in a nail-biting clash. The excitement was electric, and fans were quick to turn Salman's tweet into a lucky charm. Memes flooded timelines, throwback posts were everywhere, and even the official Punjab Kings account joined the fun with a cheeky response: a photo of Salman Khan himself with the caption, "See you in the final, bhai." But the dream didn't quite reach its fairytale ending.

While RCB celebrated their redemption, another figure quietly stole the spotlight: Preity Zinta, co-owner of Punjab Kings and a constant presence in the franchise's journey since 2008.

What many noticed and couldn't stop talking about was not just the loss but the unwavering dedication Zinta has shown towards her team. Year after year, win or lose and it's mostly been the latter, Preity Zinta has been there. In the stands. On the sidelines. Cheering. Hoping. Believing.

As photos of Preity post-match went viral, one of her walking with a heavy heart, another of her consoling the players, fans poured their emotions onto social media. They weren't just reacting to a lost final. They were responding to 18 years of loyalty, resilience, and sportsmanship.

One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, "A trophy goes to the person who was there since the start. Unlike other owners who just showed up this season, Preity Zinta came every year, travelling miles just to support her team. She was always there at our lowest. She deserves the world. Stay strong, PZ!"

Another fan posted, "Feel for Preity Zinta. Every year she gets the heartbreak from her franchise, still she returns with the same smile, same energy. She deserves that trophy more than anyone else. One day, it'll be hers."

The sentiment was echoed across timelines. While Kohli rightfully received praise for finally lifting the IPL trophy after an 18-year wait, many reminded everyone that Preity Zinta's wait has been just as long and filled with equal passion and pain. A comment that stood out said, "In all the joy and happiness for Kohli, someone else too deserved a title for her patient & resilient wait. Preity Zinta, you win our hearts and respect."

During the post-match moments, Zinta was seen approaching players like Shreyas Iyer, offering comfort and gratitude, a gesture that further cemented her reputation as not just a celebrity team owner but a truly involved and heartfelt supporter.

The contrast was hard to miss. While RCB partied and announced a victory parade in Bengaluru, Zinta walked back, dignified in defeat, yet still smiling, still proud. On a gripping Tuesday night at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium, it was Royal Challengers Bengaluru who scripted history, winning their first-ever IPL title after 18 long years. The final was intense, a rollercoaster of momentum shifts, emotional highs, and nerve-racking overs. RCB posted 190/9, with Virat Kohli once again anchoring the innings with a composed 43 off 35 balls. In response, Punjab Kings fell short by just six runs in a heart-breaking finish that had fans on the edge of their seats.

In the world of sports, it's easy to glorify victory. But every now and then, someone reminds us that showing up, staying loyal, and standing tall in defeat speaks volumes too. So, did Zinta's team win? Maybe not the trophy. But in the hearts of millions of cricket lovers and IPL fans, she absolutely did.