Preity Zinta, the co-owner of Punjab Kings (PBKS), shared a warm and heartfelt hug with leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal following his heroic performance against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL 2025. The moment captured the joy and relief of a thrilling victory, as Yuzvendra Chahal exceptional bowling spell played a pivotal role in helping PBKS defend the lowest total in IPL history, leading to a memorable 16-run win at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mullanpur, Chandigarh.
Yuzvendra Chahal’s Match-Winning Spell
View this post on Instagram
Chahal’s contribution was nothing short of spectacular. Before this match, he had taken only two wickets in the ongoing season, but he turned the game on its head with figures of 4 wickets for 28 runs in four overs. His key scalps included top KKR batsmen Ajinkya Rahane, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Rinku Singh, and Ramandeep Singh. Chahal’s bowling triggered a dramatic collapse of the KKR batting lineup, who were comfortably placed at 72 for 3 in 9.1 overs but then were bowled out for just 95 runs in 15.1 overs.
This collapse was crucial in defending PBKS’s modest total of 111 runs, the lowest ever successfully defended in IPL history. The previous record was 116 runs, defended by Chennai Super Kings against Kings XI Punjab in 2009. Chahal’s aggressive and clever variations in pace kept the batsmen guessing, and his mindset was focused on taking wickets rather than merely containing runs.
Preity Zinta’s Emotional Celebration and Hug
What a match, What a win Punjab Kings..
Punjab have done it…The lowest total successfully defended in IPL history!
Preity Zinta presented the POTM award to Yuzi Chahal.#PBKSvKKR #KKRvsPBKS
Russell Shreyas Iyer
Maxwell नेशनल हेराल्ड #nationalheraldcase#chahal Punjab Kings pic.twitter.com/BiKmfMjUJ7— Adri Sharma (@viraltweet___) April 15, 2025
Overjoyed by this unexpected but thrilling victory, Preity Zinta rushed onto the field immediately after the match to congratulate Chahal. The warm hug they shared was a touching display of the strong bond between the player and the franchise’s leadership. The moment was caught on camera and quickly went viral on social media, with fans praising the genuine emotion and camaraderie shown by the PBKS co-owner.
In one video clip, Preity was seen visibly ecstatic, recounting the intensity of the match with trembling hands as she spoke to Chahal. Her joy was palpable, reflecting how invested she is in the team’s fortunes. Fans lauded her as one of the most passionate and involved IPL owners, celebrating not just the win but the spirit of unity she embodies with the players.
Impact on Team Morale and Fanbase
Preity Zinta’s gesture of hugging Chahal went beyond a simple congratulation—it was a morale booster for the entire team. It symbolized the close-knit environment within Punjab Kings, where owners, players, and staff share a familial bond. Such emotional support from the top management can inspire players to perform with greater confidence and resilience.
Fans also responded enthusiastically to the hug, with many expressing admiration for Preity’s hands-on approach and heartfelt involvement. The viral moment helped strengthen the connection between the team and its supporters, who see in Zinta a relatable and passionate figure who celebrates victories and consoles setbacks with equal sincerity.
Chahal’s Reflection and Future Prospects
Following the match, Chahal credited the team effort for the win and highlighted his aggressive mindset during the game. Despite a tough previous outing where he conceded 56 runs in four overs, he backed his skills and stayed confident, which paid off handsomely. This performance marked his eighth four-wicket haul in the IPL, tying the all-time record held by Sunil Narine, and moved him up the ranks as one of the leading wicket-takers in T20 cricket history.
Chahal’s success has also sparked buzz off the field, with fans and media following his personal life closely, but his focus remains firmly on contributing to Punjab Kings’ success in IPL 2025.
Conclusion
Preity Zinta’s warm hug to Yuzvendra Chahal after his match-winning spell against Kolkata Knight Riders beautifully captured the spirit of IPL 2025. It was a moment of pure joy, relief, and mutual respect between a passionate owner and her star player. Chahal’s brilliant 4/28 not only secured a historic win for Punjab Kings but also reinforced the team’s fighting spirit, buoyed by the unwavering support of their co-owner.
This heartfelt celebration symbolizes the emotional highs of cricket and the deep connections that make the IPL more than just a tournament—it is a shared journey of passion, perseverance, and pride for teams like Punjab Kings and their ardent supporters.