IPL star Priyansh Arya sets eyes on Ranji Trophy

Priyansh Arya, IPL 2025's breakout star, has had a busy few months. There's been no time to dwell on the "what ifs."

A day after losing the IPL final to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Ahmedabad, he was back in action in a local tournament in Delhi. Just two weeks later, he scored a century in the final, leading his team to the title at the DDCA Hot Weather Tournament.

Now, at the Delhi Premier League (DPL) 2025, Arya has already notched up a century, tallying 267 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 171.

It was at this very tournament last year that his life changed in ways he couldn't have imagined. His six sixes in an over and a chart-topping season caught the attention of multiple IPL franchises, leading to a INR 3.8 crore deal with Punjab Kings (PBKS).

"Money beyond imagination for the son of two government school teachers," he told ESPNcricinfo recently.

Arya had a stunning debut IPL season - his 475 runs, the most by an uncapped batter in a debut season (surpassing Devdutt Padikkal's 473 in 2020), came at a blistering strike rate of 179.24. His 43-ball 102 against Chennai Super Kings was the third-fastest century by an Indian in IPL history.

But even as his white-ball stock continues to rise, Arya's eyes are on the red ball. His next big goal? A Ranji Trophy debut.

"I wanted to play red-ball cricket, but my debut couldn't happen then," he says. "I hope it will happen this year. I really want to play Ranji - I've said this before. I'm excited for the upcoming domestic season and I'm working on a few things… which I can't tell you right now (laughs)."

Upon his return to the DPL a year after setting the inaugural edition alight, Arya has gone from rookie to poster boy of the league. At DPL and team events, amid many big names, it's Arya who often draws the most attention. But he remains modest about the spotlight.

"See, changes have come," he admits. "Now, wherever I go, people recognise me and want to click pictures. It feels good. But I'm not someone who roams around a lot - I like to stay by myself.

"After playing in the IPL, I haven't changed my technique, playing style, or mindset. But yes, I expect a lot more from myself now. For example, my DPL performance hasn't been as good as I wanted it to be.

"Still, I never let that overpower me. I always stay positive and keep faith in myself. I try not to let negative thoughts enter my mind - I just keep trying to improve. Like, I've gotten out early in a few matches. I feel I need to take more time at the crease."

This self-awareness and introspection stem from having worked alongside top professionals, including PBKS head coach Ricky Ponting. When Arya was signed, his spot in the XI wasn't guaranteed. But standout performances in practice games and the pre-season camp forced the team's hand. He ended the season playing every single match.

"I understand my game very well," he says. "When PBKS held their camp, Ponting sir clearly told me the practice matches had to be taken seriously, there were many talented players around.

"In the beginning, the management found it tough to decide who to pick. But I scored runs in those matches and almost sealed my place. Even then, I wasn't directly told I would definitely play - but you get hints."

On debut against Gujarat Titans, Arya smashed 47 off 23 balls against international stars like Mohammed Siraj, Kagiso Rabada, and Rashid Khan - proof that his DPL success was no fluke. In his fourth match, he brought up his maiden IPL century, hitting three consecutive sixes off Matheesha Pathirana. He didn't spare R Ashwin either.

"In the IPL, I never found it difficult to face any bowler," he says matter-of-factly. "I felt I could play all of them. The same bowlers who play in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy also play in the IPL.

"Most are domestic players. A few international bowlers are there too, but even in Mushtaq Ali, India's international bowlers play. So, I didn't feel much difference. Anyway, cricket is the same everywhere."

Arya lights up when asked about his most memorable IPL moment. It wasn't one of his many sixes, it was a six off Jasprit Bumrah.

"Over fine leg," he chuckles. "It was an important match for us to make the top two. MI had given us a target of 185. When I was going out to bat in the second innings, Shreyas (Iyer) bhaiyya came up to me and said, 'If you want to be known as a big-match player, score in this match and show it.'"

Arya made 62 off 35 to turbocharge PBKS' chase and take them into the Qualifier 1. Though he seems to have moved on from PBKS' loss the final, he still wonders if he could've done more.

"We had reached the final after 11 years, and this was my very first IPL," he says. "I could've contributed a little more to the team, but I couldn't. That regret will stay until we win the final next time."

Arya understands that the fame and attention he enjoys today come on the back of his IPL success. He's well aware of how, not too long ago, he was a struggling middle-order batter in Under-19s, unable to break into the Under-23 side because of stiff competition.

So he pivoted to opening - just to find a spot - and ended up making that role his own, first for Delhi's T20 team and now for PBKS.

From DPL to IPL, he's shown he can rise to the occasion by adapting, evolving, and delivering when it mattered. Now, with a Ranji Trophy debut in sight, he's ready for a new challenge that demands the same quiet belief that's carried him this far.