"Always knew he was special, now it’s about consistency": Sarandeep lauds Arya

Former India spinner and Delhi coach Sarandeep Singh has called young batter Priyansh Arya “one of the country’s most talented players right now” and said his ability to score briskly through proper cricketing shots sets him apart.

The 21-year-old struck a stunning century for Punjab Kings in their IPL match against Chennai Super Kings on Tuesday.

Arya, who was bought for R3.8 crore in the auction after impressing in the domestic circuit, scored a match-winning 103 in only his fourth IPL match. The southpaw has now tallied 158 runs in four games at an average of 39.50 and a strike rate of 210.66. His 11 sixes have placed him among the top power-hitters of IPL 2025. “A few months ago, I saw him playing in local Delhi matches,” Sarandeep told PTI in an exclusive interaction with PTI videos.

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“We picked him in the DPL for our South Delhi Superstarz team. He scored a hundred, hit six sixes in an over, and finished as the tournament’s top run-getter. We knew he had something special.” 

Arya’s breakout performance in the Delhi Premier League led to a call-up for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and after impressing in the premier domestic competition, Punjab Kings picked him up at the IPL auction.

“Earlier, he was just hitting 50s and 60s and then getting out. We worked on his game awareness and patience. Now you see maturity. He values his wicket,” added Sarandeep.

“He doesn’t play rash shots. No reverse sweeps, no wild swings. He hits proper cricketing shots — straight, through the covers, off the back foot. It’s all about the timing and hard work in the nets.”

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