Not thinking about IPL auction, full focus is on SMAT: Priyansh Arya

Just over a week ago, 23-year-old Priyansh Arya was a largely unknown entity, but the youngster has turned into the talk of the town now on the back of his stunning exploits in the ongoing inaugural Delhi Premier League (DPL) T20.

Priyansh, who made his T20 debut for Delhi in 2021, burst into the limelight two days ago when he smashed six sixes in an over, becoming just the second Indian batter after Yuvraj Singh to achieve the feat. 

READ: Who is Priyansh Arya, who smashed six sixes in an over in DPL 2024?

He is, as things stand, the undisputed highest run-getter in the 2024 DPL T20, with 576 runs in eight innings, including two centuries and four fifties. 

His incredible showing has already made fans speculate which Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise will be after him in the IPL 2025 auction, but, for Priyansh, his immediate goal is to have a standout season in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

“As far as T20Is are concerned, I’m seriously focused on the upcoming season of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. That would be a great opportunity to represent my state. So, my aim will be to perform there and win matches for my team,” Priyansh said, reported News18.

“Not thinking that far, actually. IPL auction is huge and bringing that in mind is equivalent to throwing yourself under pressure. So, I’m not thinking about that at the moment.”

It’s been a campaign for the ages from Priyansh, who has simply been unstoppable with the bat. When asked what’s clicked for him, he said an added focus on being consistent has helped take his game to the next level.

“I’ve worked on being consistent. The only change that I’ve made to my batting is running more between the wickets. So, I’m working on that a bit more,” the 23-year-old said.

The left-hander has not just hit the most runs but done it at a ridiculous pace, with his strike rate reading 195.25. According to the youngster, though, this strike rate is merely a byproduct of his mindset, which is to get as many runs as possible for the side as quickly as he can.

“I’m trying to play attacking cricket as much as possible. My aim is to contribute to the team in the best possible manner. Not thinking much about my strike rate,” Priyansh said.

If you’ve not downloaded the Cricket.com app yet, you’re missing out — big time. Play Fantasy on Cricket.com NOW! Download the App here.