Meet Yash Raj Punja: Rajasthan Royals' Latest Find

Yash Raj Punja is the latest gem unearthed by the Rajasthan Royals, and his story is nothing short of inspiring. Drafted for INR 30 lakhs in the IPL 2026 mini-auction, this young leg-spinner hails from Abu Dhabi, even though he hasn't represented the UAE at any level yet. His cricketing roots run deep, thanks to his brother Yodhin Punja, the UAE's youngest international cricketer, who has been his mentor since day one.

Yash's cricketing journey took a significant turn in 2023 when he moved to Bengaluru post-school. Training at an academy linked with cricketing legend Rahul Dravid, he made a splash during an RR camp, impressing coaches enough to earn a spot in an extended training camp. His hard work paid off, and he soon found himself playing first-division cricket in Karnataka while also serving as a net bowler for RR.

His breakthrough came in the 2025 Maharaja Trophy, where he bagged 23 wickets, earning him the title of the tournament's second-highest wicket-taker. Fast forward to his IPL debut, and he showcased his potential with figures of 1/25 in four overs, including a key wicket that hinted at a bright future ahead. Keep your eyes peeled, because Yash Raj Punja is just getting started!