Preity Zinta hugs Yuzvendra Chahal after 4-wicket haul powers Punjab to historic win defending lowest-ever IPL total

Punjab Kings (PBKS) owner Preity Zinta was visibly elated as she hugged and congratulated wrist-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal after his match-winning spell led the team to a sensational victory over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Tuesday, April 15. The game, held at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, saw Punjab defend the lowest total in Indian Premier League (IPL) history—111 runs—thanks to Chahal’s four-wicket haul.
Chahal, who had taken only two wickets in the first five games this season and bowled just one over in the last match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), delivered when it mattered the most. His figures of 4/28 in four overs sparked a shocking collapse in the KKR batting line-up, which was bowled out for just 95, despite needing only 52 runs off 78 balls with eight wickets in hand at one point.
“We wanted to be attacking”: Chahal on his mindset
Speaking after receiving the Player of the Match award, Chahal credited the win to a collective team effort and shared his aggressive bowling approach.
“It is a team effort. We wanted to be positive and we felt if we get 2-3 wickets in the powerplay then it will be good,” said Chahal. “When I bowled the first ball, it turned. Shreyas asked me if I wanted a slip—we wanted to be attacking as we had less runs and the only way we could win was by taking wickets,” he added.
Despite a poor outing in the previous game, where he conceded 56 runs in four overs, Chahal said he backed himself and stayed confident.
“In the last game I conceded 56 for 4 overs, but I had full confidence and backed myself and my abilities.”
Key wickets, clever variations
Chahal’s scalps included Ajinkya Rahane (17), Angkrish Raghuvanshi (37), Rinku Singh (2), and Ramandeep Singh (0), completely dismantling KKR’s chase. He revealed how his mindset revolves around taking wickets, using pace variation to keep batters guessing.
“I always have the mindset of how to get the batters out. I varied my pace and if they have to hit, they will have to make an effort,” said Chahal. “When you win such a game, the team’s morale will be high. It’s my first man of the match for Punjab, I’m confident if I keep backing my skills and believe in myself, then I will get success.”
Preity Zinta’s warm gesture
Following the game, team co-owner Preity Zinta made her way to the ground, where she shared a heartfelt hug and a quick conversation with Chahal. Her gesture was caught on camera and quickly went viral among fans, who applauded the emotional connect between the team management and players after such a memorable win.

With momentum now on their side, PBKS will next face Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Friday, April 18. Chahal, who was once a vital cog in RCB’s bowling line-up, will be looking to continue his form and make a point against his former team.