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The popularity of women’s cricket in India is on an upward trajectory, with increasing news coverage, blogs, interviews, and media attention dedicated to the sport. Just like their male counterparts, women cricketers deserve their share of the spotlight. The outlook for women’s cricket in India is changing positively, and many young girls are now embracing cricket as not just a leisure activity but a true passion. Among these aspiring talents, Priya Punia shines brightly. At 26 years old, she has already made a significant impact in the world of women’s cricket. Her passion and dedication to the game are evident in her performances on the field. In this blog, we will look at Priya Punia cricket journey, stats, family, facts, etc.
Cricketer Priya Punia Bio
| Full Name | Priya Surender Punia |
|---|---|
| Priya Punia Age | 6 August 1996 (age 26) |
| Place of Birth | Jaipur, Rajasthan, India |
| Batting | Right-handed |
| Bowling | Right-arm medium |
| Role | Batter |
| National Side | India |
| ODI Debut | 9 October 2019 v South Africa |
| T20I Debut | 6 February 2019 v New Zealand |
| Domestic Team |
|
| Major Team Played for | Delhi Women, India Green Women, Supernovas |
Early life
Priya Punia was born to Rajasthan’s middle-class family on August 6, 1996. Her father Surender Punia was working as head clerk in the Indian Survey Department in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Her mother is a housewife. Priya also has a younger brother named Rahul Punia. She has completed her education at Jesus and Mary College of Delhi. Priya used to play badminton in her childhood but later developed an interest in cricket. At the age of nine, she enrolled in Surana Academy of Cricket in Rajasthan.
Domestic Stint
Priya took the cricket coaching from Rajkumar Sharma for seven years in Delhi. Rajkumar is also known as the trainer of the Indian captain of Virat Kohli also. Priya made her first domestic appearance with T20 against Hyderabad for Delhi women’s team in the year 2016 at Bengaluru. She also made it into Delhi’s senior side at the One Day Championship which was organized at Bengaluru. The young gun managed to score 407 runs in just eight matches at an average of 50. Priya also represented the North Zone in 2015, where she scored few big knocks and impressed the selectors. With her astounding play in the domestic unit, she received a call to don the national jersey.
Priya Punia International Debut
In December 2018, her name was included in India’s squad for the series against New Zealand. On 6 February 2019, she marked her debut in Women’s Twenty20 International cricket (WT20I) for India, playing against New Zealand Women. In September 2019, she was selected to be a part of India’s Women’s One Day International (WODI) squad for their series against South Africa. Her WODI debut for India took place on 9 October 2019 in a match against South Africa.
In May 2021, she was chosen to represent India in the Test squad for a one-off match against the England women’s cricket team. Recently, on 9 July 2023, the BCCI announced the Indian women’s team for the ODI series against Bangladesh. In this series, cricketer Priya Punia has been named as a part of the squad.
A Self-Made Girl
Cricketer Priya Punia displayed immense determination in carving her own path to success. Despite being offered help by an assistant of a high-ranking BCCI official, who assured her a place in the team, she chose to decline the opportunity. Priya’s father, Surendra, was informed that a recommendation from the top official would secure her spot in the Indian team. However, Priya recognized the importance of earning her place solely on merit and refused the offer, stating, “There is no satisfaction in getting into the team on a recommendation.” Her principled decision reflects her strong character and commitment to achieving success through hard work and skill.
Priya Punia Family
According to the report, Surendra Punia, who once harbored an ambition of playing for India, now coaches and mentors his daughter, Priya. He played a pivotal role in shaping her into the talented cricketer she is today. To support Priya’s cricketing dreams, Surendra took significant steps, including selling his property and taking loans, to purchase a 1.5-bigha plot of land worth Rs 22 lakh on the outskirts of Jaipur. The purpose behind this investment was to create a dedicated practice net and cricket pitch for Priya’s training and development.
A decision to construct a special pitch and nets for his daughter came after a bitter experience. Surendra was transferred from Delhi to Jaipur as an employee of Survey of India in 2016. When Priya sought to register at a cricket academy in Jaipur, the coach there mocked her for being a girl and harboring dreams of making it in cricket. Hurt by such, Priya refused to join the academy.
Responding to his daughter’s love for the sport, Surendra first approached a groundsman to set up a pitch but he demanded Rs one lakh. So, he decided to set up the pitch himself.
Priya Punia Career Stats
- Batting & Fielding
| FORMAT | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s | Ct | St |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WODI | 9 | 9 | 1 | 242 | 75* | 30.25 | 421 | 57.48 | 0 | 2 | 28 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| WT20I | 3 | 3 | 0 | 9 | 4 | 3.00 | 17 | 52.94 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Lesser-known Facts
- She has garnered more than 557k fans on Instagram.
- She loves batting at the number three position and can be the successor to some senior cricketers.
- Before choosing cricket, she played badminton.
- She considers her father Surendra Punia as her role model.
Just like Abhinav Bindra’s father, who built a shooting range for his son to practice, cricketer Priya Punia’s father sets an example with his immense commitment and keen support for his daughter.
Priya Punia Social-Media
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very nice article,
please write article on Smriti Mandhana