Young Punjab Kings (PBKS) opener Priyansh Arya shared his disappointment over not getting a chance to interact with the iconic MS Dhoni following their victory against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Mullanpur on April 8. Making his IPL debut this season, the 24-year-old delivered a sensational performance, hammering 103 runs off just 42 balls.
Priyansh’s powerful batting included seven fours and nine sixes, helping PBKS reach a strong total of 219/6 in 20 overs. This score was enough for them to win the match easily by 18 runs.
Speaking to the media a few days after his match-winning performance, Priyansh revealed the intense pressure he felt batting with MS Dhoni behind the stumps and expressed regret at missing the opportunity to speak with the legendary wicketkeeper-batsman.
“I wanted to talk to him [Dhoni] but I couldn’t because I was busy with my interview and he left. So I couldn’t talk to him, but I really wanted to talk to him. I am very lucky that I was able to play with him. Obviously, very few people get a chance like this,” he said (Via Hindustan Times).
Priyansh further continued: “So I feel very lucky that I was able to play with him. There was obviously pressure that he was standing behind, and the bowlers were also legends. Like Ashwin, sir. So it was a very good feeling to play with him.”
“I expected Ashwin to bowl tightly to restrict my shots”- Priyansh Arya
Priyansh Arya shared his mindset while going up against star off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin during the match against CSK. The left-hander attacked Ashwin confidently, hitting him for a four and three sixes, which led to the experienced bowler ending his spell with disappointing figures of 2 for 48 in four overs.
“I thought Ashwin would try to cramp me, so I thought of hitting a sweep. He tried to cramp me, so I hit the same shot. I didn’t think much. I went straight and hit the ball,” said Priyansh.
Priyansh is set to return to the field when PBKS face SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Saturday, April 12.
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