"Whenever I feel that it will benefit team, I play like that": Priyansh Arya after POTM award
Chennai, April 4
Priyansh Arya's blazing start set the tone for Punjab Kings as they chased down a big target of 210 runs against Chennai Super Kings to register back-to-back wins in the Indian Premier League 2026.
The 24-year-old left-hand batter made a quickfire 39 off just 11 balls with the help of three fours and four sixes, which helped the PBKS cross the 60-run mark inside the powerplay. Arya was named Player of the Match for his impressive knock, which helped the Kings win the match by five wickets.
Speaking during the post-match presentation after taking his POTM award, Arya said, "It has been like this since childhood, and whenever I feel that it will benefit the team, I play like that. There is a little bit of risk-taking involved. I have a belief in myself that if I can hit the first ball, then I will hit it. There is a little bit because the experience is a bit there. So it feels a bit different. But I believe in my abilities as much as I believe in myself. It gives a good result."
Talking about his practice sessions, he said, "I do proper practice. I do two sessions of batting in a day. Each session lasts for one and a half hours. Because I like batting very much."
Arya comes from a family of teachers in Delhi, and when asked about that, he said, "My family background is proper (teachers). Teachers are there. Even my sister is a teacher. So I also think that I should become a teacher."
He also added that "there is no chance" for him to become a teacher now.
Cooper Connolly was given the Orange cap (most runs) during the presentation ceremony. He has made 108 runs so far in the season. He made 36 runs off 22 balls, which helped PBKS chase down the big target successfully.
After taking the Orange Cap, Connolly said, "It's still pretty early in the season, just trying to put my best foot forward and help the team get some wins. We'll keep moving. It's a long tournament, we're starting to start to and over, but yeah, there's still 12 games to go. I think it's the capitaliser on the back end of the power play if I come in."
— ANI
Reader Comments
I love his attitude. "Whenever I feel that it will benefit the team, I play like that." That's a true team player. So refreshing to see a young talent not just playing for personal milestones but with the team's goal in mind. Well played, Priyansh!
His background is so relatable! Coming from a family of teachers in Delhi and still dreaming of it. Shows how grounded he is. But please, no teaching career yet – we need you to keep hitting sixes for India! 😄
While the knock was brilliant, I hope he works on converting these starts into bigger scores. 11-ball 39 is great for the team's momentum, but consistency is key for a long career. Still, a match-winning performance no doubt.
Three hours of batting practice every day! That's the secret sauce. Talent + hard work = success. This is the perfect example for all the young kids watching. Bahut badhiya! PBKS finally looking like a proper team.
Interesting to see Cooper Connolly get the Orange Cap. He's been solid. But the story of the match was definitely Arya's explosive start. He set the platform. Sometimes the POTM award means more than the seasonal cap.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.