IPL 2026: Priyansh Arya's blitzkrieg helps Punjab Kings stun Chennai

Priyansh Arya's quickfire 39 off 11 balls powered Punjab Kings to a five-wicket win against Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2026. The left-hander's explosive start helped PBKS chase 210, earning him the Player of the Match award.

Priyansh Arya's blazing start set the tone for Punjab Kings as they chased down a big target of 210 runs against Chennai Super Kings to register back-to-back wins in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. The 24-year-old left-hand batter made a quickfire 39 off just 11 balls with the help of three fours and four sixes, which helped the PBKS cross the 60-run mark inside the powerplay. Arya was named Player of the Match for his impressive knock, which helped the Kings win the match by five wickets.

'I believe in my abilities': Priyansh Arya

Speaking during the post-match presentation after taking his POTM award, Arya said, "It has been like this since childhood, and whenever I feel that it will benefit the team, I play like that. There is a little bit of risk-taking involved. I have a belief in myself that if I can hit the first ball, then I will hit it. There is a little bit because the experience is a bit there. So it feels a bit different. But I believe in my abilities as much as I believe in myself. It gives a good result."

On intense practice sessions

Talking about his practice sessions, he said, "I do proper practice. I do two sessions of batting in a day. Each session lasts for one and a half hours. Because I like batting very much."

On family of teachers

Arya comes from a family of teachers in Delhi, and when asked about that, he said, "My family background is proper (teachers). Teachers are there. Even my sister is a teacher. So I also think that I should become a teacher." He also added that "there is no chance" for him to become a teacher now.

Cooper Connolly bags Orange Cap

Cooper Connolly was given the Orange cap (most runs) during the presentation ceremony. He has made 108 runs so far in the season. He made 36 runs off 22 balls, which helped PBKS chase down the big target successfully.

After taking the Orange Cap, Connolly said, "It's still pretty early in the season, just trying to put my best foot forward and help the team get some wins. We'll keep moving. It's a long tournament, we're starting to start to and over, but yeah, there's still 12 games to go. I think it's the capitaliser on the back end of the power play if I come in." (ANI)

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