IPL 2025: Coach Bhardwaj Praises Priyansh Arya’s Brave Tactics Against CSK Bowlers

New Delhi, April 9 (NationPress) In the annals of IPL, few young batsmen have showcased such remarkable talent and a fearless mindset as Priyansh Arya. A memorable moment unfolded at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur when Arya achieved a stunning 39-ball century, marking the fourth fastest century in IPL history.

From the very first ball of the Punjab Kings’ innings, when Arya upper-cut Khaleel Ahmed for a six, the audience had no inkling of the remarkable display that was about to follow from the young left-handed opener that Tuesday evening.

Despite losing partners at the other end, Arya’s bold batting style drove him to a phenomenal 42-ball 103, securing PBKS’s first home victory this season.

Sanjay Bhardwaj, Arya’s childhood coach from the Lal Bahadur Shastri Academy, which boasts alumni like India head coach Gautam Gambhir, Nitish Rana, and Amit Mishra, commended the young talent for his relentless aggressive mindset that led PBKS to triumph.

"He performed exceptionally well, especially given the circumstances of losing players from the other end. His knock was crucial for the team's victory, which is paramount. Priyansh has displayed his ability to shoulder responsibility and must now strive for consistency in his performances.

"What stood out was his adherence to his instincts; he plays without overthinking. He approaches his game instinctively, which is where his true talent lies,” Bhardwaj shared in an exclusive interview with IANS from Bhopal.

Bhardwaj revealed that Arya reached out to him early Wednesday morning, prompting the coach to encourage his student to maintain his commitment throughout the tournament. “It’s fortunate that he called me first. When I answered, he asked, ‘Did I do well?’

"I inquired about his performance and who scored the hundred. He replied, ‘Oh, it was me’. It's clear to him that his success comes from divine grace, and he must keep putting in the effort.

"The moment he starts believing that everything is solely due to his efforts, he risks developing an ego. Priyansh understands that he must continue to work hard, and the results will follow. His hard work is vital, and this is the process.”

“He mentioned that the Punjab Kings management has consistently supported him, encouraging him to play instinctively. Head coach Ricky Ponting, captain Shreyas Iyer, and the team management are all backing him,” he elaborated.

Bhardwaj reminisced about Arya's natural aggressiveness, which was evident from their early days together. "From the start, he exhibited attacking instincts. In cricket, there are generally two player types - attacking and defensive.

"An attacking player can defend, while a defensive player rarely attacks. Priyansh has always leaned towards an attacking style. He scored 120 runs in a match during the Delhi Premier League off just 50 balls. He also achieved a century earlier in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. This is his trademark – scoring centuries in approximately 50-52 balls,” he explained.

Prior to joining the Punjab Kings (PBKS) for IPL 2025, Arya honed his skills at Bhardwaj’s residential academy, located about 20 kilometers from the railway station in Bhopal. The academy’s strict rule of limiting mobile phone use to just 1.5 hours daily, prioritizing practice, rest, and relaxation, allowed Arya to refine his long-range hitting abilities against medium-paced bowling.

“Whenever he has the chance, he comes to practice here, consistently attacking medium pacers. I believe that IPL selections favor players who can effectively attack medium pacers rather than spinners. Thus, he focused immensely on perfecting his cut and pull shots, particularly against bouncers,” he added.

Bhardwaj recalled a moment when Arya invested his cricket earnings into the academy. “During the academy's construction, he donated all his earnings from U19 and U22 BCCI tournaments, saying, ‘Sir, use this money for our academy’s development.'

"Such generosity reflects a unique level of humility and kindness in a person. His nature has always been commendable. I attribute some of this to his parents being educators, which has positively influenced him from an early age.”

In just his fourth IPL innings, Arya’s breathtaking century marked his arrival on the grand stage of T20 franchise leagues. Bhardwaj is optimistic that Arya will continue his aggressive batting form and build on this promising start in IPL 2025.

"I told him I’d be there to watch him play when Punjab reaches the IPL final in Kolkata. I made it clear to Priyansh that Punjab must aim for the final and win the trophy (on May 25). If he scores another century there, it would be the perfect culmination to his efforts. I am confident Punjab will reach the knockout stages and perform admirably in the final,” the coach concluded.