Priyansh Arya, secured by Punjab Kings (PBKS) for ₹3.8 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 season,
more than justified this selection by smashing a 39-ball 100 against the Chennai Super Kings
(CSK). It not just helped Punjab Kings win the match against seasoned bowlers like Ashwin and
Jadeja, but it also set the record for the second-fastest century by an Indian in the IPL history!
Born on January 18, 2001, in Delhi, India, the dynamic left-handed opening batsman and
right-arm off-break bowler trained from the age of 7 under the mentorship of Sanjay Bharadwaj,
who is known for having coached players like Gautam Gambhir. Even though both his parents
were teachers, Priyansh wasn’t academically inclined and always wanted to play cricket.
Brilliance In The Domestic Circuit
Priyansh first garnered attention at the age of 24, during the inaugural Delhi Premier League
(DPL), where he scored 120 off 50 balls for the South Delhi Superstarz, which included 6 sixes
in an over against the North Delhi Strikers. He emerged as the leading run-scorer in the DPL
season, amassing over 600 runs, for which he received awards and an encouraging message
from Suryakumar Yadav – ‘Keep believing in yourself… total entertainment.’
He continued his exploits in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he delivered a blistering 102
off 46 balls against Uttar Pradesh, further cementing his reputation as a formidable T20
batsman.
Playing Style and Impact
Priyansh’s aggressive batting style is characterized by powerful stroke play and an aptitude for
finding boundaries with ease. His wrist work has drawn comparisons to some of the game’s
greats like Mohammad Azzharudin and Gundappa Vishwanathan. He is also a right-arm
off-break bowler, but what has made him stand out is his approach. By staying away from
discouraging people, watching recordings of his best innings and discussing strategy with
senior players has helped him keep a positive mindset.
Future Prospects
Priyansh continues to evolve, from impressing in the domestic to getting the full support of the
Punjab Kings’ coach, Ricky Ponting and Captain, Shreyas Iyer, to catching Navjot Siddhu’s
attention, who has called on Ajit Agarkar to pick him in the T20 team, comparing him with the
likes of Sachin Tendulkar. He is poised to be a significant asset to Indian cricket, with the
potential to make substantial contributions on the international stage.
