'From Rejection to Recognition': Priyansh's Inspiring IPL Journey
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Synopsis
Priyansh Arya's remarkable journey from IPL rejection to a stunning maiden century highlights his resilience and determination. Growing up in Ashok Vihar, New Delhi, Arya's passion for cricket was ignited by Brendon McCullum's iconic innings, and his recent success showcases his evolution into a formidable player in the IPL.
Key Takeaways
- Priyansh Arya achieved a century in IPL 2025.
- His innings were inspired by Brendon McCullum.
- Arya's calm mindset is crucial for performance.
- He overcame early setbacks with positive advice.
- Growth and maturity have shaped his batting style.
New Delhi, April 10 (NationPress) Growing up in New Delhi’s Ashok Vihar, left-handed opener Priyansh Arya shared with IANS prior to the start of IPL 2025 that witnessing Brendon McCullum’s unbeaten 158 in the tournament’s opening match during his childhood ignited his passion to excel in the ten-team competition.
Arya’s performance earlier this week sparked the same amazement as McCullum’s extraordinary innings from IPL 2008 when he hammered a 42-ball 103, including seven fours and nine sixes against Chennai Super Kings in Mullanpur, leading Punjab Kings to a memorable home victory.
His century, achieved in just 39 balls, is now tied for the fourth-fastest in IPL history. “The feeling has obviously been very great that I hit a hundred, as runs are made by a lot of people. But hitting a hundred, as per my view, is difficult. On hitting the hundred, I felt very proud of myself,” Arya expressed with a smile during a virtual round-table discussion hosted by the franchise.
Since hitting six sixes in the inaugural season of the Delhi Premier League (DPL), where he also clinched the title of the tournament's leading run-scorer, Arya’s life has drastically transformed, garnering him global recognition.
Invitations to participate in IPL trials soon transitioned into a lucrative contract worth Rs 3.8 crore. During pre-season camps, Arya caught the attention of observers and was trusted to open the batting in IPL 2025. Despite his remarkable IPL century, he has maintained a composed demeanor.
A significant factor in his calmness, according to the left-handed opener, stems from observing how tranquility has led to consistent performances from players in the IPL. “The preparation is just the same for everyone. From what I have seen, the mindset is key, as controlling the mind is the most difficult thing for any human being. But the more you are able to keep yourself calm, the better it works in terms of performances,” he remarked.
Prior to that century against CSK, Arya entered the match following a dismissal by Jofra Archer’s fierce pace on the first ball of PBKS’ chase, as they ultimately fell short by 50 runs against Rajasthan Royals. He indicated that ongoing discussions with head coach Ricky Ponting and captain Shreyas Iyer provided him with positive energy before facing the CSK bowlers.
“My mindset was positive because when I got out on the first ball (against RR), I didn’t dwell on it. I thought I would play as positively as possible. If I get the ball, I will hit it. Whenever I converse with Ricky sir, he is always positive. He mentioned that it was the first ball and anyone can get out,” he explained.
“He advised me that if I received the same ball in the next match (against CSK), I should hit it out of the park, and I felt very confident after that. I was determined that if I faced the first ball, I would hit it based on my instinct and not play defensively. Shreyas bhaiya encouraged me to trust my instincts, which greatly helped,” he elaborated.
“Moreover, when I prepared to bat in the nets (before the game against CSK), he (Shreyas) inquired about my thoughts. After I shared my concerns, he replied, ‘Maintain a clear mind. Don’t think about anything and just trust your game. Continue playing the way you know how,’” he added.
Before DPL 2024, Arya was relatively unknown and hadn’t made a mark in the Delhi team, despite making his senior debut in 2021, which followed his selection for the Delhi U19 team in 2019, thanks to former Indian player Amit Bhandari, who was the selector at that time.
Arya also mentioned that the current assertiveness in his batting has evolved over time, as experience and maturity have taught him to be more consistent in T20 cricket. “With time and maturity, you must adapt. You can’t continue playing the same way. Moreover, experienced players are aware of everything about you,” he stated.
“When I attended the (IPL) trials previously and wasn’t selected, I believed that if I didn’t score runs, I wouldn’t be chosen, as I wasn’t as consistent as I thought I should be. However, once I started scoring in the DPL, everything changed,” he concluded.
“My coach (Sanjay Bhardwaj) used to tell me that the longer you stay at the wicket, the better your chances of advancing. That’s what I focused on while playing, and it has proven beneficial,” he summarized.
