Yash Punja, born in Abu Dhabi in 2006, has become a symbol of determination and hope for aspiring cricketers from the UAE and India. At just 19 years old, Yash Punja made headlines in April 2026 when he became the first UAE-born player to feature in an IPL playing XI, representing Rajasthan Royals.
His debut against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens was not just another match—it was a historic moment that showed how cricket can cross borders and cultures. With his tall frame, sharp leg-spin, and calm temperament, Yash has already begun to carve his place in the cricketing world.
Yash Punja Height, Career, Age, Family, Wiki
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Yash Raj Punja |
| Date of Birth | 26 June 2006 |
| Age (as of 2026) | 19 years |
| Birthplace | Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates |
| Nationality | Emirati (of Indian origin) |
| Parents | Father – Dheeraj Punja; Mother – Shilpa Punja |
| Sibling | Elder Brother – Yodhin Punja (former UAE international cricketer) |
| Education | Cambridge High School, Abu Dhabi |
| Height | 6 ft 5 in (196 cm) |
| Weight | 70 kg |
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Bowling Style | Legbreak Googly |
| Domestic Career | Maharaja Trophy T20 (2025) – 23 wickets in 10 matches, economy 7.45 |
| IPL Team (2026) | Rajasthan Royals |
| IPL Debut | 19 April 2026 vs Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens |
| IPL Debut Stats | 4 overs, 25 runs, 1 wicket (Ramandeep Singh), economy 6.20 |
| Jersey Number | 14 (Rajasthan Royals) |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Net Worth (2026) | Estimated ₹1.5 crore |
| Social Media | Instagram – @yashpunja |
| Known For | First UAE-born player to feature in an IPL playing XI |
| Training Academy | Rahul Dravid’s cricket academy, Bengaluru |
| Lifestyle | Fitness-focused, disciplined, family-oriented |
Early Life & Background
Yash Raj Punja was born on 26 June 2006 in Abu Dhabi, UAE, to Indian parents Dheeraj Punja and Shilpa Punja. His family had strong ties to cricket, and his elder brother Yodhin Punja was already making waves in the sport. Yodhin became the youngest male cricketer to play international cricket for the UAE at just 16 years old.
Growing up in Abu Dhabi, Yash was surrounded by cricket culture. He studied at Cambridge High School, where he balanced academics with his growing passion for the game. His childhood was filled with hours of practice, often guided by his brother’s advice and encouragement.
Physical Appearance
One of Yash’s most striking features is his height—6 feet 5 inches (196 cm). His tall frame gives him a natural advantage as a bowler, allowing him to generate bounce and deceive batsmen with his leg-spin. He weighs around 70 kg, with a lean and athletic build that suits the demands of modern cricket.
Yash’s black eyes and black hair add to his sharp presence on the field. Yash wears the jersey number 14 for Rajasthan Royals, a number that fans are beginning to associate with his unique style of play.
Education & Schooling
While Yash was a bright student, his heart was always in cricket. Initially, his parents wanted him to pursue medicine, but Yash chose to follow his dream of becoming a professional cricketer. In 2023, after completing his school exams, he made a bold decision—he left Abu Dhabi and moved to Bengaluru, India, to train seriously.
There, he joined an academy associated with Rahul Dravid, one of India’s most respected cricketing figures. This move was life-changing. Training in Bengaluru exposed him to tougher competition, better facilities, and a professional environment that shaped his skills.
Cricketing Journey
He started out as a fast bowler, but his coaches noticed issues with his bowling action. It was his brother Yodhin who advised him to switch to leg-spin, a decision that changed his career. Initially, his parents were hesitant about him pursuing cricket professionally, especially after Yodhin had to retire early due to illness. Once he moved to Bengaluru, he began playing first-division cricket in Karnataka and soon became a net bowler for Rajasthan Royals in 2024.
By 2025, Yash had already made a name for himself in the Maharaja Trophy T20, where he took 23 wickets in 10 matches at an average of 12.48 and an economy rate of 7.45. This performance made him the second-highest wicket-taker in the tournament and proved that he was ready for the next level.
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Domestic Career Highlights
Before stepping into the IPL, Yash Punja had already shown his talent in domestic cricket. His most notable performance came in the Maharaja Trophy T20 in Karnataka (2025). Playing against seasoned local cricketers, Yash impressed everyone with his control and variations.
In just 10 matches, he picked up 23 wickets, making him the second-highest wicket-taker of the tournament. His economy rate of 7.45 was remarkable for a young spinner, especially in a format where batsmen often dominate. These numbers proved that Yash was not just another youngster trying his luck—he was a serious talent ready for bigger challenges.
IPL Breakthrough
The dream of every young cricketer in India and abroad is to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL). For Yash Punja, this dream came true in 2026 when he was picked by Rajasthan Royals at his base price of ₹30 lakh. On 19 April 2026, Yash made his debut against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens. It was a historic moment—not only for him but also for UAE cricket. He became the first UAE-born player to feature in an IPL playing XI.
In his debut match, Yash bowled 4 overs, gave away 25 runs, and picked up the wicket of Ramandeep Singh. His economy rate of 6.20 was impressive for a debutant, especially in front of a packed Eden Gardens crowd. Rajasthan Royals used him as an impact player, and his bounce and turn troubled the batsmen.
Personal Life & Interests
Away from the cricket field, Yash Punja is a simple and grounded young man. He is unmarried and focuses entirely on his career. His social media presence, especially on Instagram (@yashpunja), gives fans a glimpse into his training routines, match updates, and personal moments.
Yash enjoys fitness and spends hours working on his strength and stamina. He believes that discipline off the field is as important as performance on the field. His posts often show his bond with family and teammates, reflecting his humble nature.
Net Worth & Earnings
As of 2026, Yash Punja’s estimated net worth is around ₹1.5 crore. His earnings come mainly from cricket contracts, match fees, and endorsements. The biggest boost to his career came when he was signed by Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026 for ₹30 lakh.
For a teenager from Abu Dhabi, this was not just a financial milestone but also a recognition of his talent. With IPL exposure, his brand value has grown, and he is expected to attract more sponsorships in the coming years. His disciplined lifestyle and rising popularity make him a promising face for sports brands.
Interesting Facts & Trivia
- He is the first UAE-born cricketer to play in an IPL XI.
- His elder brother Yodhin Punja was UAE’s youngest international cricketer at 16.
- Yash initially trained as a fast bowler but switched to leg-spin on his brother’s advice.
- In the Maharaja Trophy T20 (2025), he took 23 wickets in 10 matches, finishing as the second-highest wicket-taker.
- His debut IPL match was against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens in April 2026.
- He wears jersey number 14 for Rajasthan Royals.
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