In the shortest format of this sport, impact beats quantity any day of the week. Hence, in an IPL game where nearly 420 runs were amassed in approximately 39 overs, a player who faced just 11 balls walked away with the Man-of-the-Match award. 

In the victory over Chennai Super Kings in Chennai on Friday (March 3, 2026), Punjab Kings opener Priyansh Arya was the fifth-highest scorer overall, but it was his quickfire 39 – a flashy knock studded with four sixes and three fours – which had the strongest influence on the outcome of the duel. 

For Priyansh, turning out in his second IPL season, providing brisk starts comes naturally. “It has been like this since childhood. I play positively whenever I feel that it will benefit my team. There is risk involved, but if I have the belief that I can hit the first ball, I will do it,” the 24-year-old said after bouncing back from a low score in the previous game.

“There are experienced bowlers at this level, but I believe in my abilities as much as I believe in myself. I do proper practice for executing it.”

Priyansh’s PBKS teammate Shashank Singh hailed him for his mental toughness. “Priyansh knows the areas he can score runs in, and he is mentally very tough although he does not speak much. He is young, but he has matured a lot with his batting. Technique has never been an issue for him. He will do well for sure,” said Shashank.

Fasten your seatbelts whenever Priyansh takes strike, you are in for a ride.