IPL 2025: Ricky Ponting Praises Priyansh Arya as He Seeks to Make His Mark with Punjab Kings

New Delhi, March 24 (NationPress) At just seven years old, Priyansh Arya began his cricket journey in Ashok Vihar, New Delhi. He trained at the LB Shastri Cricket Club under the renowned coach Sanjay Bhardwaj, a mentor to many, including India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir.

Priyansh vividly remembers April 18, 2008, when he sat glued to his TV to watch the inaugural match of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru witnessed Brendon McCullum unleash a stunning innings, scoring an unbeaten 158 off just 73 balls, which included 10 fours and 13 sixes.

This iconic performance ignited a dream in Priyansh – to emulate McCullum, aiming to dominate the IPL with his own sixes. Now, at 23, he is set to make his IPL debut, expected to be a key player for Punjab Kings as they kick off the 2025 season against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad on Tuesday.

“I remember McCullum’s 158. That match sparked my love for the IPL. I’ve always wanted to play and score runs,” Priyansh shared. “The atmosphere here is incredibly positive, thanks to the coaches and staff. I feel ready for our first match.”

“I’m thrilled to participate in IPL 2025. I aimed to play in 2024, but it didn’t happen. I was disappointed, yet motivated to become the highest run-scorer in the DPL. After my first match in DPL, I aimed for the orange cap, and I achieved it,” he told IANS.

Recently, Ricky Ponting, the new head coach of Punjab Kings, identified Priyansh as a budding talent for the upcoming season. Being recognized by a cricket legend like Ponting is a moment Priyansh cherishes deeply.

“Working under Ponting is a dream realized. I grew up idolizing him and Sachin Tendulkar. I admired Ponting’s pull shot as a child. I’m eager to learn from him,” he said.

Priyansh first gained attention by hitting six sixes in an over during the inaugural Delhi Premier League (DPL), scoring 608 runs in 10 innings with an impressive strike rate of 198.69, which included two centuries and four fifties.

With scouts from IPL teams watching, his ability to consistently hit sixes led him to participate in pre-auction trials, including one for PBKS. “I was invited for trials last year, but I missed it. This time, I made it,” he recalled.

“They gave us a free hand. We had open nets with four bowlers, and we could bat for 10 minutes without match scenarios. The DPL was a turning point for me,” he said.

In the 2024/25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), Priyansh scored 325 runs for Delhi, including a quick 43-ball 102 against Uttar Pradesh, averaging 40.62 with a strike rate of 176.63. This innings was another pivotal moment, occurring just before being picked by PBKS in Jeddah.

“I was under immense pressure, knowing the auction was the next day. I felt blank while batting and couldn’t focus. But eventually, I just played the game,” he explained.

At the team hotel in Mumbai, Priyansh sat with his Delhi teammates, who were also in the auction. “They joked about my turn coming next. When my name was announced, DC picked me first, and I was ecstatic,” he said.

“I was on my phone but focused on the TV. Calls flooded in, and my phone froze. I was thrilled when Punjab selected me—it felt great to join a North Indian team,” he added.

His brief conversation with his parents, both teachers, was filled with joy. “Honestly, I barely spoke to them, just a quick congratulations. I was in Mumbai, unaware of their reactions,” Priyansh shared.

Priyansh was pleased to see his coach Bhardwaj’s prediction come true. “He sent me a picture of a bill dated the 24th, indicating an amount. I didn’t anticipate it would exceed that amount. It came true the next day, and he was delighted,” he recounted.

Priyansh is one of three opening batters for PBKS, alongside Prabhsimran Singh and Josh Inglis from Australia. He emphasizes his focus on contributing to the team rather than stressing about his position.

“I’m not fixating on my position. I’ll follow the support staff’s guidance. I want to avoid the pressure I felt during practice games. I concentrate on performing in the moment. If I dwell on the past or future, I create unnecessary pressure,” he noted.

“It’s crucial to stay grounded. My goal is to maximize my contributions to the team, ensuring my impact resonates throughout the innings,” he added.

Priyansh’s aspirations for IPL 2025 are simple yet profound: to gain knowledge from Ponting and senior players like Shreyas Iyer.

“I aim to learn as much as possible from the experienced players. Our captain has a track record of winning. I want to understand his mindset and approach,” he stated.

“I have a great rapport with everyone, as we bond during our evening gatherings,” he said.

This weekend’s IPL 2025 matches showcased numerous sixes from leading batters. As the weeks unfold, it remains to be seen if Priyansh can replicate such feats for the Punjab Kings, evoking the same admiration he felt as a child witnessing McCullum’s dazzling performance in the inaugural IPL match in 2008.