Priya Punia, a name steadily carving its niche in the world of women’s cricket, is an inspiring figure whose journey from the streets of Jaipur to the international cricket arena embodies grit, talent, and determination. Born on August 6, 1996, in Churu, Rajasthan, Priya has emerged as a right-handed batter known for her elegant stroke play and unwavering resolve. This comprehensive biography delves into Priya Punia’s life, her cricketing career, personal background, stats, and the milestones that have made her a rising star in Indian women’s cricket.
Early Life and Background
Priya Surender Punia was born into a middle-class family in Churu, Rajasthan, before relocating to Jaipur due to her father’s job. Her father, Surender Punia, worked as a head clerk in the Indian Survey Department, while her mother, Saroj Punia, managed the household. Priya grew up alongside her younger brother, Rahul Punia, who also shares her passion for cricket. From a young age, Priya displayed a natural inclination toward sports, initially dabbling in badminton before finding her true calling in cricket.
The Punia family’s support played a pivotal role in shaping Priya’s career. Recognizing her talent, Surender Punia went to extraordinary lengths to nurture her passion. He used his savings to purchase a plot of land in Jaipur, transforming it into a practice ground for Priya and Rahul. This sacrifice underscores the family’s belief in her potential, even in a society where cricket was traditionally seen as a male-dominated sport. Priya’s early years were marked by resilience—she was once denied entry to a cricket academy for being a girl, an experience that fueled her determination to succeed.
Priya’s formal cricket training began at the age of seven under the guidance of Rajkumar Sharma, a renowned coach in Delhi who also mentored Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli. This early mentorship laid a strong foundation for her technical skills and discipline, qualities that would define her cricketing journey.
Domestic Cricket Career: The Launchpad to Stardom
Priya Punia’s cricketing career took off in 2016 when she made her debut for the Delhi Women’s team in a T20 match against Hyderabad in Bangalore. Her consistent performances in domestic cricket quickly caught the attention of selectors. Playing as an opener, Priya showcased her ability to anchor innings while unleashing aggressive strokes when needed. Her right-handed batting style, combined with her composure under pressure, made her a standout performer.
Initially representing Delhi, Priya later switched allegiances to Rajasthan in 2020, returning to her home state to play professionally for the first time. This move marked a significant chapter in her domestic career, allowing her to connect with her roots while continuing to excel. Her performances in domestic tournaments, including stints with the Indian Green Women’s team in 2018 and the Supernovas in the Women’s T20 Challenge, solidified her reputation as a dependable batter.
Priya’s domestic success was a stepping stone to her international career. Her ability to score runs consistently and adapt to various formats earned her a call-up to the Indian national team, a dream she had nurtured since childhood.
International Debut and Breakthrough Moments
Priya Punia’s international journey began in December 2018 when she was named in India’s squad for a series against New Zealand. She made her Women’s Twenty20 International (WT20I) debut on February 6, 2019, against New Zealand Women in Wellington. Although her debut was modest, scoring just 4 runs, it marked the beginning of her international career and a chance to prove her mettle on the global stage.
Her breakthrough moment came later that year during her Women’s One Day International (WODI) debut against South Africa on October 9, 2019, at Reliance Stadium. Batting as an opener, Priya scored an unbeaten 75 off 124 balls, steering India to a successful chase of 165 runs. This stellar performance not only showcased her technical prowess but also earned her a place among an elite group—becoming the seventh Indian woman to score a fifty-plus on ODI debut. The knock was a testament to her ability to perform under pressure and cemented her position in the team.
In May 2021, Priya received another milestone opportunity when she was named in India’s Test squad for a one-off match against England. Although she didn’t get a chance to bat in the drawn game, her inclusion highlighted her growing stature across formats. Since then, Priya has continued to feature in India’s squads, including the ODI series against Bangladesh in July 2023, reflecting her consistent presence in the national setup.
Priya Punia’s Cricketing Stats and Records
As of February 25, 2025, Priya Punia’s cricketing stats reflect her potential and contributions to Indian women’s cricket. In ODIs, she has played 9 matches, scoring 242 runs at an average of approximately 30. Her highest score remains her unbeaten 75* against South Africa, with 28 fours and no sixes, showcasing her reliance on timing and placement over power-hitting. In T20Is, Priya has appeared in 3 matches, scoring 9 runs with an average of 3, indicating room for growth in the shorter format.
While her international numbers are still evolving, her domestic performances and ability to deliver in clutch moments have kept her in contention for bigger roles. Priya’s versatility—she occasionally bowls right-arm medium pace—adds depth to her profile, though her primary strength lies in her batting.
Personal Life: Family, Hobbies, and Inspirations
Priya Punia’s personal life mirrors her grounded personality. A proud member of the Jaat community, she follows Hinduism and credits her family’s values for her success. Her father, Surender, remains her biggest role model, alongside cricketing icons Virat Kohli and Harmanpreet Kaur. Priya’s bond with her pet dog, Coco (sometimes referred to as Bruno), is well-known among fans, reflecting her love for animals.
Off the field, Priya is a fitness enthusiast who enjoys yoga, cycling, and gym workouts to maintain her athletic edge. She unwinds by watching Indian movies and listening to Punjabi music, while her favorite foods—choorma ladoo, Hyderabadi biryani, uttapam, dosa, and rasam—connect her to her Rajasthani roots. Standing at 5 feet 4 inches and weighing around 57 kilograms, Priya’s physical fitness complements her on-field agility.
Priya completed her education with a commerce diploma from Jesus and Mary College in Delhi, balancing academics with her cricketing aspirations. Her superstitions, like covering her left leg while batting, add a quirky touch to her disciplined persona.
Challenges and Triumphs
Priya Punia’s journey hasn’t been without obstacles. Being denied entry to a cricket academy as a young girl was an early setback that could have derailed her dreams. Instead, it fueled her resolve to challenge gender stereotypes in Indian sports. With her father taking loans to build a practice ground, Priya carried the weight of familial sacrifice, repaying it with her India cap—a story that resonates with aspiring cricketers nationwide.
Her international career has seen highs, like her ODI debut fifty, and lows, such as limited T20I success. Yet, Priya’s perseverance and adaptability keep her in the conversation as a future mainstay of the Indian team. Her recognition as the FBB Stylish Player of the Match underscores her flair, both in performance and presence.
Impact and Legacy in Women’s Cricket
Priya Punia’s rise is more than a personal triumph—it’s a beacon of hope for women’s cricket in India. Her journey from a small-town girl to an international cricketer inspires countless young athletes to pursue their dreams despite societal barriers. By advocating for greater visibility and opportunities for women in cricket, Priya is contributing to the sport’s evolution in India.
As of 2025, at 28 years old, Priya remains in the prime of her career. With her elegant batting, disciplined approach, and unyielding spirit, she is poised to leave a lasting legacy. Whether anchoring an innings or mentoring the next generation, Priya Punia embodies the ethos of resilience and excellence.
Conclusion
Priya Punia’s biography is a tale of talent meeting tenacity. From her humble beginnings in Rajasthan to her exploits on the international stage, she has proven that dreams, backed by hard work and support, can defy all odds. As she continues to evolve as a cricketer, fans eagerly await her next big innings, confident that this rising star will shine even brighter in the years to come. For the latest updates on Priya Punia’s career, stats, and achievements, stay tuned to her journey—a story still being written with every run she scores.
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