Ricky Ponting, the head coach of Punjab Kings, was full of praise as he addressed broadcasters after his team secured a top-two finish in the IPL 2025 league stage, an achievement that had eluded them for 11 years. Ponting attributed the success to the collective effort of a “hugely talented” squad, with special emphasis on the rising star, Priyansh Arya.

Priyansh Arya’s match-winning knock

In a crucial encounter with the Mumbai Indians, Arya stood out with a remarkable innings of 62 from 35 balls, featuring nine boundaries and two sixes. Despite challenging conditions at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, Arya anchored Punjab’s chase of 185 runs, playing a vital role in a 109-run partnership with Josh Inglis.

Arya showed remarkable composure, taking the backseat as Inglis attacked the Mumbai bowlers. The left-handed batter rotated the strike effortlessly, demonstrating an astute understanding of the game.

“I said after four or five games that Priyansh would be our find of the season. It’s hard to dispute that now. He’s a fearless young talent, seeing the ball well and hitting it cleanly,” Ponting said.

Priyansh started the season with a bang, smashing 47 from just 23 balls in Punjab’s victory over Gujarat Titans. Arya, renowned for smashing six sixes in an over during a Delhi Premier League match, made his IPL 2025 debut with a reputation for his explosive batting skills. Although he also registered ordinary scores early on, he made an emphatic return to form with a sensational 103 off 42 balls against Chennai Super Kings, helping Punjab recover from a precarious 83 for 5 to reach a winning total of 219.

This century followed a moment when RR pacer Jofra Archer’s pace unsettled Arya. The young batter bounced back with renewed confidence, proving his ability to cope under pressure and deliver when his team needed him most.