Preity Zinta Slams Fake News: Denies Morphed Image with Young Rajasthan Royals Star
In a world where misinformation spreads faster than a brutal T20 over, Bollywood icon and Punjab Kings (PBKS) co-owner Preity Zinta has taken a fierce stand against a fabricated image circulating online. The morphed photo, falsely depicting her hugging Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the 14-year-old Rajasthan Royals (RR) sensation, has stirred unnecessary controversy following a thrilling IPL encounter between PBKS and RR at Jaipur’s iconic Sawai Mansingh Stadium.
The viral image gained traction to the extent that several news outlets mistakenly reported it as genuine, amplifying the spread of fake news. Furious over the distortion of facts, Zinta took to her official social media account to set the record straight. Reposting a misleading report, she captioned it with a scathing remark: “This is fake. Stop spreading lies!” Her response not only called out the falsehood but also urged fans and media alike to prioritize authenticity over sensationalism.
Contrary to the doctored image, the real interaction between Zinta and the young prodigy was nothing but heartwarming. A clip shared by the official Rajasthan Royals account on X (formerly Twitter), titled “Flex levels at school: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi”, reveals the truth. In the video, Zinta is seen engaging in a brief, respectful conversation with RR’s explosive opener Yashasvi Jaiswal before turning her attention to PBKS’s own Shashank Singh. Spotting Vaibhav nearby, she enthusiastically says, “Come, let’s go say hi to him,” showcasing her genuine appreciation for emerging talent. What follows is a simple handshake and a quick exchange of greetings, set to the playful tune of ‘Koi Mil Gaya’ from her iconic film, adding a nostalgic charm to the moment.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi, for the uninitiated, is the youngest player to debut in the IPL, signed by Rajasthan Royals for a staggering INR 1.1 crore at the 2025 mega auction. Hailing from Bihar, the teenage batting prodigy has already made waves with his fearless strokeplay in domestic circuits, often compared to the likes of Prithvi Shaw for his precocious talent. This interaction with Zinta, a celebrated figure in both cinema and cricket, would have undoubtedly been a dream moment for the youngster—unfortunately marred by digital manipulation.
While off-field drama attempted to steal the limelight, the on-field action provided pure joy for PBKS fans. In a high-octane clash, Punjab Kings clinched a dramatic 10-run victory over Rajasthan Royals. Setting a daunting target of 220 runs, powered by explosive knocks from Shikhar Dhawan and Jonny Bairstow, PBKS held their nerve in the final overs. Rajasthan, despite a valiant effort led by Sanju Samson’s fiery 82, fell short, unable to breach the fortress built by Punjab’s bowlers, with Arshdeep Singh claiming 3 crucial wickets. This win secured PBKS a coveted spot in the IPL 2025 playoffs, marking a triumphant turnaround for the franchise after a string of inconsistent seasons.
As the IPL saga unfolds, this episode serves as a stark reminder of the pitfalls of the digital age in sports journalism. Preity Zinta’s swift rebuttal of the fake image reinforces the importance of fact-checking and ethical reporting. For fans, it’s a call to celebrate the real moments—like a young talent meeting a cinema star or a team fighting tooth and nail for victory—rather than falling prey to fabricated controversies. After all, in cricket, as in life, truth should always take the winning run.