Former Indian Test opener Wasim Jaffer heaped praise on Priyansh Arya after Punjab Kings clinched a comprehensive 54-run win against Lucknow Super Giants at New Chandigarh on Sunday. Arya smashed a magnum opus knock of 93 runs off just 37 balls against LSG.
The PBKS opener added 182 runs off just 80 balls with Cooper Connolly after Prabhsimran Singh was dismissed for a golden duck. The southpaw smashed four fours and nine sixes in his blistering knock as he scored his runs at a strike rate of 251.35. Thus, he played a key role in helping PBKS post 254 runs on the board and was awarded Player of the Match.
Jaffer said Arya is not a typical Delhi boy as he doesn’t show much aggression on the field.
Wasim Jaffer said on his YouTube Channel, “He also seems like a very untypical Delhi boy. He doesn’t really show that typical Delhi aggression. He’s a very calm-natured guy, and you don’t see him talking much. Even on Punjab Kings’ social media, you don’t find a lot about Priyansh Arya. He has really impressed me, and it feels like he has his priorities right.”
The former domestic giant praised Arya for his wide range of shots and six-hitting abilities. Arya said after the game he tries to focus on his timing while hitting the big shots.
He added, “He’s a very clean striker of the ball. Whether it’s a full delivery that he hits over cover or slicing it through the off side, he has a wide range of shots. And of course, he has a strong six-hitting ability. Not just this season, I’ve been very impressed with him (Priyansh Arya) since last year. He has a very calm and collected approach. It never feels like he’s in a rush while batting, and you don’t see any pressure on his face. You could say he has a very good head on his shoulders.”
Jaffer said the Mohali-based franchise is desperate to perform consistently in the IPL as they have been unbeaten in the tournament.
He concluded, “And yesterday, they completely outplayed LSG. Until now, Punjab Kings had been chasing, but when they got a chance to bat first, they straightaway put up around 250 runs and simply outbatted the opposition. This team now looks like one of those desperate sides that are hungry to win. They lost the final last year, which was a very close one, but now it feels like this team is determined and desperate to finally lift the trophy.Punjab Kings will next take on Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi, on Saturday.
