20 Yash Thakur

A lethal right-arm fast-medium bowler from Vidarbha, Yash Thakur (born December 28, 1998) has quickly cemented his reputation as one of India’s premier death-over specialists. Known for his pinpoint yorkers and deceptive pace, Thakur’s journey from a junior star to a domestic title-winning captain is a testament to his grit and tactical brilliance.

As of January 21, 2026, Yash Thakur is at the peak of his domestic powers. On January 18, 2026, he famously captained Vidarbha to their first-ever Vijay Hazare Trophy title, claiming a match-winning 4/50 in the final against Saurashtra. Following his contributions in the previous season, he has been officially retained by the Punjab Kings (PBKS) for the IPL 2026 season at his acquisition price of ₹1.60 Crore.

Yash Thakur: Career Profile & 2026 Breakthrough

The Vijay Hazare “Captain’s Glory” (2026)

The 2025–26 domestic season belongs to Yash Thakur. Leading Vidarbha in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he guided the team to a historic maiden title. His ability to strike at crucial junctures was on full display in the final at Bengaluru, where his four-wicket haul derailed Saurashtra’s chase of 318, securing a 38-run victory for his state.

IPL Evolution: From LSG Hero to PBKS Pillar

Thakur first announced himself on the IPL stage in 2023 with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), where he claimed 13 wickets in his debut season.

• The Five-Wicket Masterclass: In 2024, he achieved a rare milestone by picking up 5/30 against Gujarat Titans, proving his ability to dismantle high-quality batting lineups single-handedly.

• The PBKS Transition: At the 2025 mega-auction, Punjab Kings secured his services for ₹1.60 Crore. Under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer and the guidance of Ricky Ponting, he has become a vital component of the PBKS pace battery alongside Arshdeep Singh.

The “Death-Over” Specialist

Thakur’s reputation as a “clutch” bowler was forged in the domestic circuit, where he famously defended 11 runs against Uttarakhand and 9 runs against Delhi in consecutive high-pressure games. This “ice-cool” temperament makes him the ideal candidate for the slog overs, a role PBKS has prioritized for their 2026 title quest.

Yash Thakur: Career Statistics

Data consolidated as of January 21, 2026.

IPL Bowling Performance

Recent Domestic Form (Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025/26)

• Wickets: 14 (Captain of the title-winning Vidarbha team)

• Final Performance: 4/50 vs Saurashtra (Jan 18, 2026)

• Role: Lead strike bowler and death-overs specialist.