📌 Key Points
- Preity Zinta expressed optimism after Punjab Kings’ first IPL 2026 defeat, stating ‘lot more games ahead’.
- She thanked fans for their unwavering support, both in and outside the stadium, and on social media.
- Zinta wore a 26-year-old Phulkari dupatta, gifted by a fan, aiming to promote the traditional art.
- Captain Shreyas Iyer acknowledged the loss as a learning experience, focusing on staying positive.
Following Punjab Kings’ initial IPL 2026 loss to Rajasthan Royals, co-owner Preity Zinta shared an uplifting message of hope for her team. She also revealed the heartwarming story behind her traditional Phulkari dupatta, worn to promote the dying art, emphasizing fan support and future victories.
Zinta’s Optimistic Outlook After PBKS Loss
Punjab Kings were aiming to continue their unbeaten track record this IPL season, but unfortunately, that did not happen. Rajasthan Royals handed Punjab Kings their first defeat of the ongoing IPL 2026 season, winning by six wickets in Mullanpur on Tuesday night. Punjab Kings’ co-owner and actor Preity Zinta has reacted to the defeat, but she is no mood to mull over it as she shared that there are many more games ahead to win!
She went on to add, “Our fans have showed us so much love and support in & outside the stadium, & have been beyond incredible (folded hands emoticon) I wanted to take this opportunity to thank every single one of you that came out to support PBKS in the stadium, on social media & everywhere else. Our only goal is to make IPL 2026 memorable for all of you…. that’s why – Bas Jeetna Hai (We only want to win).”
The Special Phulkari Dupatta’s Story
She wore a red dupatta for the evening and went to reveal the special reason for her attire. “PS – This red Phulkari Dupatta is 26 year old & was gifted to me by a Punjabi fan who insisted I wear it for the game so here it is. I’m sure this will make her happy, as it made me, wearing a part of her very special memory. Phulkari is a beautiful but dying art of vibrant folk embroidery by local artisans & I hope to promote & represent them by wearing these dupattas for our cricket games,” she added.
“I hope I can help in reviving this tradition in a small way so we never stop being proud of where we come from & who we are,” she concluded.
Captain Shreyas Iyer Reflects on Defeat
Captain Shreyas Iyer said after the match, “I feel that this is our first loss of the season, so it definitely teaches you a lot. And also, we’ve played a lot of games where we have chased 200 plus, and we have defended 200 plus. So this is just one of those games where things didn’t go our way, and we just have to push it aside. And I feel that in retrospect, many things could have happened, but I just want to stay positive going ahead and be optimistic in our approach.”
Preity Zinta’s positive spirit and commitment to both her team and cultural heritage shine through. Her message, combined with the team’s resolve, sets an optimistic tone for Punjab Kings’ remaining IPL 2026 journey.
