Priyansh Arya, once a relative unknown, burst into the limelight last August when he smashed six consecutive sixes in an over during a Delhi Premier League (DPL) match at the iconic Arun Jaitley Stadium. This feat marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey for the 24-year-old from Ashok Nagar, Delhi.
Carrying his red-hot form into the domestic circuit, Arya became Delhi’s top scorer in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament, amassing 222 runs in seven innings at a staggering strike rate of 166.91. His power-hitting prowess quickly earned him a lucrative IPL deal with Punjab Kings for ₹3.80 crore, transforming him into an overnight millionaire.
Speaking to TimesofIndia.com in a virtual interaction arranged by Punjab Kings, Arya shared, “People only knew me in Delhi after the six sixes in an over feat, but after getting an IPL contract, the whole country knows me. I get recognized, people know me, I get recognition wherever I go. Life has changed after that. People started congratulating me for that feat. Six sixes changed my life, honestly.”
Arya’s IPL journey started on a high note with a scintillating 47 off just 23 balls against Gujarat Titans. However, his fortunes fluctuated, and he faced setbacks with only 8 runs against Lucknow Super Giants and a golden duck against Rajasthan Royals, courtesy of a fierce Jofra Archer delivery. The low scores left the young batter visibly dejected and his confidence shaken.
Yet, Arya’s resilience and determination shone through. With unwavering support from skipper Shreyas Iyer and head coach Ricky Ponting, he refused to be deterred. His moment of redemption arrived against Chennai Super Kings. Facing the first ball of the innings from Khaleel Ahmed, Arya, who had been dismissed first ball mere days earlier, displayed no hesitation. He launched the delivery into the stands for a towering six, emphatically announcing his comeback.
Reflecting on his journey, Arya said, “Getting out on zero is just a part of the game. I will get out on zero and will make centuries as well. This is all part of the game. I don’t overthink these things. Shreyas Iyer told me to just believe in my instincts and play accordingly. He said always follow your first thoughts. Those tips from him helped me a lot.”
Arya credited Ponting’s advice for his resurgence: “Ricky sir said if you get a similar ball next time, then hit it out of the ground. I got the same kind of delivery and I did just that. I just backed myself. I wanted to hit the first ball out of the park.”
This remarkable turnaround culminated in Arya’s stunning 39-ball century, a testament to his talent, resilience, and the invaluable guidance from cricketing stalwarts like Ponting and Iyer.