IPL 2025: Pyla Avinash Inspired by Ponting's Pull Shot Ahead of Season

New Delhi, March 6 (NationPress) Pyla Avinash, the all-rounder from Andhra Pradesh, reminisced about how he drew inspiration from watching Ricky Ponting’s batting videos on YouTube, particularly his iconic pull shot, as he prepares to play under Australian coaching for the Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.

"He is a legend. I used to watch Ricky Ponting's batting videos where he would play the pull shot to get inspired. He has played some great knocks in his career, and I am looking forward to working with him," stated Avinash in a release issued by the franchise on Thursday.

Originating from the city of Visakhapatnam, Avinash picked up a cricket bat at the age of 13, inspired by his brother to pursue the sport seriously. “My brother started playing cricket first, and observing him pushed me to take it up as well. He played in the U-19 and U-23 Andhra Pradesh teams, becoming my role model. Watching him put in hard work daily motivated me to do the same," he shared.

In a local T20 tournament in Andhra Pradesh last year, Avinash hit 11 sixes while chasing a daunting target of 226 runs.

"It was a memorable inning because we were in a challenging situation. Chasing nearly 230, we were three or four wickets down when I entered the game. Even as wickets fell on the other end, I kept hitting big shots. I hit five sixes in one over, which made me believe we could achieve the target," he recounted.

Although Avinash could not secure the win, as his team lost by just one run, his impressive unbeaten score of 105 off 58 balls garnered significant attention, including a selection for the state team in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. In his debut match against Mumbai, Avinash scored a quick fifty for Andhra. "I believe that inning transformed my life and paved the way for where I am today. It had a tremendous impact,” he added.

Ashish Tuli, GM of Cricketing Operations at Punjab Kings, discussed how Avinash captured the interest of their scouting team, leading to his acquisition during last year’s mega auction. "We noticed his power-hitting skills and performance in a domestic T20 tournament. However, it’s crucial to recognize that those performances weren’t the only reason for our interest, as we had been monitoring him for a while.”

“Identifying the right talent involves a thorough and systematic approach. Over a dozen specialized scouts work throughout the year, covering all significant state leagues and BCCI-affiliated tournaments. It’s vital to have a discerning eye for spotting the right talent at the right moment, a skill honed through experience and a profound understanding of the game,” he added.

The Punjab Kings, led by Shreyas Iyer, will kick off their IPL 2025 season on March 25 against the 2022 champions Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.