Priyansh Arya, a 24-year-old left-handed opener from Delhi, has emerged as one of the most exciting talents in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, captivating fans with his fearless batting and record-breaking performances for Punjab Kings (PBKS). Known for his aggressive stroke play, penchant for six-hitting, and ability to dominate bowlers from the outset, Arya has transformed from a domestic standout to an IPL sensation. Acquired by PBKS for INR 3.8 crore in the 2025 mega auction, Arya’s maiden IPL season has been nothing short of spectacular, highlighted by a 39-ball century against Chennai Super Kings (CSK)—the second-fastest by an Indian in IPL history. With captain Shreyas Iyer and coach Ricky Ponting backing his raw talent, Arya is cementing his status as a future star of Indian cricket.
Player Details
- Full Name: Priyansh Arya
- Born: January 18, 2001, Delhi, India
- Age: 24 years (as of May 4, 2025)
- Batting Style: Left-Handed
- Bowling Style: Right-Arm Offbreak
- Role: Opening Batter
- Teams: Punjab Kings (IPL), Delhi (Domestic), India A Under-19s, South Delhi Superstarz (Delhi Premier League)
- IPL Debut: March 25, 2025, vs. Gujarat Titans (47 off 23 balls)
- Current Team: Punjab Kings (IPL 2025)
Early Life and Rise to Prominence
Born into a middle-class family of schoolteachers in Delhi, Arya’s cricketing journey began at age seven under the tutelage of renowned coach Sanjay Bhardwaj, who also mentored Gautam Gambhir. His parents emphasized education alongside cricket, fostering a disciplined approach that complements his aggressive batting style. Arya’s early promise saw him break into Delhi’s Under-14 team, but a setback at 17—ineligibility for the Under-19 World Cup due to BCCI age-test rules—delayed his ascent. Despite this, Arya persevered, making his T20 debut for Delhi in 2021 against Uttarakhand and his List A debut in 2023 during the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Arya’s breakthrough came in the 2023-24 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), where he emerged as Delhi’s leading run-scorer with 222 runs in seven innings at an average of 31.71 and a strike rate of 166.91. His defining moment arrived in the inaugural Delhi Premier League (DPL) in 2024, where he amassed 608 runs in 10 innings for South Delhi Superstarz, including an unbeaten 107 off 55 balls and a blistering 120 off 50 balls against North Delhi Strikers. In the latter, Arya smashed six consecutive sixes in an over off left-arm spinner Manan Bhardwaj, joining an elite club and propelling his team to a record 308/5. This iconic performance, coupled with a 286-run stand with Ayush Badoni, put Arya on the radar of IPL scouts.
IPL 2025: A Sensational Debut Season
After going unsold in the 2024 IPL auction, Arya’s stellar DPL and SMAT performances triggered a bidding war in the 2025 mega auction. From a base price of INR 30 lakh, PBKS secured him for INR 3.8 crore, a testament to his growing reputation. Assistant coach Brad Haddin recalled Arya’s pre-season impact, noting that after just eight balls in a practice game, the team knew “he has got to play.”
Arya’s IPL debut on March 25, 2025, against Gujarat Titans was electric, as he scored 47 off 23 balls, setting the tone for PBKS’s campaign. His defining moment came on April 8, 2025, against CSK in Mullanpur, where he hammered 103 off 42 balls, including 7 fours and 9 sixes, reaching his century in just 39 balls—the joint-fourth-fastest in IPL history and the second-fastest by an Indian, behind Yusuf Pathan’s 37-ball ton in 2010. Despite two dropped catches, Arya’s onslaught, including 24 runs off Matheesha Pathirana’s 13th over, powered PBKS to 219/6 and an 18-run victory, snapping their losing streak.
Other notable performances include:
- 69 off 35 balls vs. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), April 26, 2025, showcasing his ability to dominate spin, particularly against Sunil Narine.
- 47 off 23 balls vs. Gujarat Titans, demonstrating his intent from ball one, including a six off the first delivery.
As of April 26, 2025, Arya has scored over 300 runs in IPL 2025, making him PBKS’s leading run-scorer and the first player to reach this milestone for the franchise this season. His stats include:
- Runs: ~300+ (exact figure unavailable due to ongoing season)
- Average: 39.50
- Strike Rate: 210.66
- 100s/50s: 1 century, 1+ fifty
- Fours/Sixes: ~20 fours, ~25 sixes (estimated based on CSK knock)
Arya’s 310.00 strike rate against CSK’s fast bowlers (62 off 20 balls) ranks among the highest in IPL history for a minimum of 20 balls faced, trailing only Suresh Raina (348.00) and Jake Fraser-McGurk (342.85). He also became the fourth batter in IPL history to hit a six off the first ball of a match, joining Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, and Naman Ojha.
Playing Style and Strengths
Arya’s batting is defined by raw power, audacious shot-making, and a fearless approach. His ability to clear boundaries with ease, particularly through the off-side, has drawn comparisons to young Sachin Tendulkar. Ponting praised Arya’s “raw power” and evolving ability to “learn the angles,” evident in his three sixes against Ravichandran Ashwin and his dominance over Pathirana. His upright stance and quick hands allow him to handle both pace and spin effectively, while his knack for big scores under pressure—evidenced by his CSK century when PBKS were 83/5—highlights his maturity.
Arya’s six-hitting prowess is his standout trait. His DPL feat of six sixes in an over and 11 sixes in his SMAT 102 off 43 balls against Uttar Pradesh in 2024 underscores his destructive potential. Posts on X have dubbed him a “sixer king,” with fans marveling at his “jaw-dropping” 39-ball century. While primarily an opener, Arya’s adaptability allows him to anchor or accelerate as needed, making him a versatile top-order asset.
Captain and Coach Influence
Under Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy, Arya has thrived, benefiting from Iyer’s advice to “control his shape” during nets, which improved his shot selection. Ricky Ponting’s mentorship has been transformative, with Arya admitting to “hanging on to every word” from the legendary coach. Ponting’s faith in Arya, evident from pre-season trials, has given the youngster the confidence to express himself on the IPL stage.
Off the Field
Arya’s personality shines through his love for the TV show Friends, with his Instagram bio featuring Joey Tribbiani’s iconic line, “How you doin’?” A travel enthusiast, he has shared highlights of visits to Dharamsala on social media. Despite his rapid rise, Arya remains grounded, crediting his parents’ support and Bhardwaj’s coaching for his success. His banter with friend and DPL teammate Ayush Badoni, whom he hopes to “hit sixes against” in the IPL, adds a playful edge to his competitive spirit.
