\u201cThere\u2019s always a reward on the other side of pressure. The bigger the pressure, the bigger the reward. And the thing we do to combat the pressure is just to stay in the moment and take it ball by ball,\u201d Punja said in a video released by IPL on X.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The youngster also described the unique feeling of bowling in front of packed IPL crowds, saying the atmosphere strangely helps him concentrate better once he steps into his run-up.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThere were nerves leading up to my over. But maybe it\u2019s a thing of the IPL where the moment you\u2019re in the middle and you\u2019re bowling and you\u2019re in your run-up, it\u2019s like the outside world just shuts down. You can\u2019t hear the noise, you can\u2019t hear the music, you can\u2019t hear anything else. It\u2019s just you, the batsman and the ball,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Punja, who comes from the UAE cricket system, said playing in the IPL had always been a major dream for aspiring cricketers back home.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cNo surprise to say that the IPL is the biggest cricket league in the world. And coming from the UAE, where a few kids would dream of being in the IPL as cricketers in the UAE, I just wanted to do whatever it takes to be a part of the best league in the world,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The spinner also spoke about the benefits of moving from being a net bowler to becoming part of the Rajasthan Royals squad, highlighting the support he has received from senior players in the dressing room.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cComing from being a net bowler to a player in the team, there\u2019s obviously a lot more perks. Being able to talk one-on-one with Sanju sir, Jaddu bhai, Yash bhai and Riyan bhai has been great, whether it is spin bowling with Jaddu bhai or fielding,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Punja also praised teammate Ravi Bishnoi for bringing energy and humour to the squad atmosphere.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cRavi bhai is a really funny guy. He knows how to lighten up the dressing room. Just from nowhere, he\u2019ll say something or do something, and he\u2019ll have the whole dressing room cracking up,\u201d Punja said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The youngster also spoke about Rajasthan Royals\u2019 Pink Promise initiative match, which supports women-led transformation programmes across Rajasthan.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cTomorrow we\u2019ve got the Pink Promise match coming up, where once a year we support Pink during a match to support a woman-led transformation all across Rajasthan,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Punja signed off by reiterating his commitment towards Rajasthan Royals and his ambition to one day play for India.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cTomorrow we\u2019ve got the Pink Promise match coming up, where once a year we support Pink during a match to support a woman-led transformation all across Rajasthan,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Acquired for \u20b930 lakh at the IPL 2026 Auction, the 6'6\" leg-spinner from Karnataka (born in the UAE) quickly earned praise for his high release point and lethal googly. He has played two matches and taken three wickets at a good economy of 8.25.<\/p>\r\n\r\n