You only miss the sun when it starts to snow

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 23 runs in the 61st match of IPL 2026 on Sunday, May 17, at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala. As a result, RCB became the first team to qualify for the playoffs this season, securing 18 points after playing 13 games.

After being asked to bat first, RCB notched up a daunting total of 222/4 in 20 overs. Venkatesh Iyer (73) and Virat Kohli (58) smashed brilliant half-centuries while Devdutt Padikkal (45) and Tim David (28*) chipped in with impactful contributions. Left-arm orthodox spinner Harpreet Brar scalped two wickets for the Punjab side with the ball.

PBKS then slumped to 19/3 inside four overs during the steep chase, making things difficult for themselves. Shashank Singh (56), Marcus Stoinis (37), Suryansh Shedge (35), and Cooper Connolly (37) tried to save the day for the Kings, but could not get the job done. PBKS eventually reached 199/8 in 20 overs and lost the match by 23 runs.

The IPL 2026 match between PBKS and RCB provided the fans with some intriguing moments. They posted their reactions by compiling hilarious memes on X (formerly known as Twitter). Here are some of the best memes related to the game:

“You only miss the sun when it starts to snow,” an X post read.

“I think the game really slipped away from us during the power play” – PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer after loss vs RCB in IPL 2026

At the post-match presentation, Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer reflected on the loss, saying:

“RCB got off to a terrific start and continued putting pressure on the bowlers even after the powerplay. Once they reached 222, it became a very strong total on this surface. I think the game really slipped away from us during the power play itself. Chasing a score like that was always going to require something special, and losing three wickets inside the powerplay made it even tougher.”

He continued:

“At one stage, we were still going close to ten an over, but in the end, we fell short against a very strong bowling attack led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood. I’ve always believed in staying positive regardless of the result. One game doesn’t define your mindset or personality. I don’t spend too much time dwelling on the past — this match is done now. Tomorrow is a new day, and there’s always light at the end of the tunnel.”

What were your top moments from this IPL 2026 match? Let us know in the comments section.