Coach Bhardwaj Credits Priyansh Arya's Instincts for His Impressive Attack on CSK Bowlers in IPL 2025
New Delhi(The Uttam Hindu): Priyansh Arya’s fearless and instinctive batting performance has become a talking point in the IPL 2025 season. The young left-handed opener from Punjab Kings made an extraordinary impact at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, where he blasted a 39-ball century, the fourth-fastest in IPL history. From the outset, Arya's aggressive style was evident as he upper-cut Khaleel Ahmed for a six off the first ball of the Punjab Kings' innings. Despite losing partners at the other end, Arya’s attack-minded approach saw him accumulate a blazing 103 runs off just 42 balls, securing PBKS's first home win of the season.
Arya’s childhood coach, Sanjay Bhardwaj, who hails from the Lal Bahadur Shastri Academy, expressed his admiration for the young batter. “Priyansh played exceptionally well under pressure, maintaining his aggressive style even as wickets fell around him. His ability to take on the responsibility and secure the win was crucial. He has shown that he can carry the team and now, he must continue delivering consistently,” Bhardwaj shared. What stood out to Bhardwaj was Arya’s ability to rely on his instincts. “He didn’t overthink his shots. He bats with his subconscious mind, playing purely based on instinct,” said Bhardwaj. “In cricket, you must play to your instincts, and that’s what Priyansh did against the CSK bowlers.”
Bhardwaj revealed that Arya had called him early the next morning, eager to know his coach’s thoughts on his performance. “He asked, ‘Did I do well?’ and I reminded him that his performance was due to hard work and divine grace. I emphasized that he should not get complacent and must continue working hard,” Bhardwaj added. The coach further spoke about Arya's long-standing attacking instincts, evident from his earlier years. “Priyansh has always been an attacking player. There are two types of players in cricket — attacking and defensive. Priyansh always had the attacking mindset. He scored 120 runs in 50 balls in the Delhi Premier League, and his aggressive style was also evident in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.”
Before joining the PBKS camp for IPL 2025, Arya trained at Bhardwaj’s academy in Bhopal, where the focus was on long-range hitting against medium pacers. Bhardwaj’s disciplined training routine, which limited mobile phone usage to 1.5 hours a day, allowed Arya to perfect his cut and pull shots, especially against bouncers. “Priyansh would also contribute financially to the academy, which speaks volumes about his humility. His nature has always been grounded, and it shows in his cricketing approach,” Bhardwaj shared.
Arya’s spectacular century in just his fourth IPL match has made a mark on the biggest T20 stage. Bhardwaj now hopes that Arya will maintain his aggressive form throughout the season, guiding Punjab Kings towards the final. "I’ve told Priyansh that I’ll come to watch him play when Punjab reaches the final. If he scores another century in the final, it will be the perfect culmination of an outstanding season,” Bhardwaj said with optimism.
