It’s not often that cricketers hit six sixes in an over, a feat so rare it can be counted on one hand. This elite list includes the likes of Ravi Shastri, Yuvraj Singh, Herschelle Gibbs, and Kieron Pollard. Adding his name to this illustrious group is 22-year-old Priyansh Arya from Delhi, who accomplished this extraordinary feat in the ongoing Delhi Premier League (DPL). However, Arya has loftier goals in mind as he eyes a Ranji Trophy debut for his state team this year.
Arya narrowly missed out on a spot in the IPL auction last year, but his performances for the South Delhi Superstarz have been nothing short of spectacular in the current DPL season. Arya has amassed a staggering 602 runs with a strike rate of 198 and an average of 75, including two centuries. Despite the potential for an IPL call-up this time around, Arya’s primary focus remains on making his debut in the Ranji Trophy.
“Test cricket has always been my favourite since childhood. In my opinion, Test cricket is the ultimate form of the game. The player’s skill is truly tested by conditions, swing, and other factors. Hence, my main focus is to make my Ranji Trophy debut this year, because red-ball cricket will be my top priority. A day after the DPL ends, I’ll begin my red-ball practice because it’s tough,” Arya shared in an exclusive conversation with India TV.
Arya has notched up six fifty-plus scores in nine innings so far, but the standout moment of his DPL campaign came when he smashed six sixes in an over against Manan Bhardwaj of the North Delhi Strikers. That day, Arya scored an astonishing 120 runs off just 50 balls, forging a powerful 286-run partnership with his captain Ayush Badoni. Recounting his mindset during that incredible over, Arya explained, “I think it was the 12th over, and the left-arm spinner came in to bowl. I was well set and wanted to go on the offensive in that over. When I hit the fourth six, Ayush, who was batting alongside me, said, ‘It’s not often you get a chance to hit six sixes in an over, so you should go for it.’”
A fan of former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir, Arya owes much of his success to a supportive family and his first coach, Sanjay Bhardwaj. “I used to play cricket in my lane before I told my father that I wanted to take the sport seriously. When I was around 9 or 10 years old, my father supported my decision from the start,” he reminisced.
. “He helped me join an academy where Sanjay Bhardwaj sir became my first coach. From a young age, sir would pitch me against older players so I could improve and learn faster. I often played with guys older than my age group because sir never let me play with younger ones.”
Despite his meteoric rise, Arya has faced setbacks. Last year, he experienced the biggest disappointment of his brief career when he wasn’t picked in the IPL auction. Though he had impressive numbers in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, scoring 212 runs with a strike rate of 166, it wasn’t enough. “I was really disappointed. It was very hurtful. But later, I realized that I wasn’t consistent enough. In 7-8 games, I scored only two fifties, so I worked on that aspect of my game to become as consistent as possible,” Arya said, noting that his hard work has been paying off this season.
When asked about the secret behind his newfound consistency, Arya cited Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli as a major influence. “You talk of consistency and the first name that comes to mind is Virat Kohli. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) is my favourite team because of Virat bhaiya. I admire his aggression and attitude on the field,” he added.
Arya’s season so far has gone according to plan—perhaps even better. Yet, he knows this is only the beginning of his cricketing journey. A Ranji Trophy debut and an IPL call-up are definitely high on his list, and winning the DPL trophy with the South Delhi Superstarz would undeniably be the icing on the cake.
As the cricketing world takes note of this rising star, Priyansh Arya’s journey from hitting six sixes in an over to potentially making his mark in Test cricket serves as a testament to his dedication and love for the game. Only time will tell how far this young cricketer will go, but one thing is certain: his future looks as bright as his current form.
