‘Very Difficult Batter to Bowl To’: Priyansh Arya Impresses Again in PBKS Victory

Punjab Kings continued their strong start to IPL 2026 with a five-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings, but the result also highlighted two contrasting narratives - PBKS' growing batting confidence and CSK's mounting concerns with the ball.

Speaking on JioStar's 'Amul Cricket Live', experts Cheteshwar Pujara and Sunil Gavaskar broke down the key moments from the game, with particular focus on Priyansh Arya's batting and Chennai's bowling struggles.

Priyansh Arya's Shot-Making Stands Out

Priyansh Arya once again showed why he is emerging as one of the most exciting young batters this season, with his ability to dominate bowlers across lengths drawing praise from Cheteshwar Pujara.

"Priyansh Arya is picking the length very early. On that pitch, whenever the ball was slightly short, he didn't miss out and often hit it for six," Pujara said on JioStar.

Arya's ability to attack both short and full deliveries has made him increasingly difficult to bowl to.

"We saw that against bowlers like Matt Henry and Khaleel Ahmed, he is not missing the fuller deliveries either, which means the margin for error for bowlers becomes very small. He is strong on the leg side but also comfortable on the off side, and that makes him a very difficult batter to bowl to."

His approach ensured PBKS maintained control during key phases of the chase.

Gavaskar Raises Alarm Over CSK Bowling

While Punjab Kings celebrated another clinical win, Sunil Gavaskar pointed to Chennai Super Kings' bowling as a growing concern early in the season.

"From what we've seen so far, CSK's biggest concern for the rest of the tournament will be their bowling," Gavaskar said on JioStar.

He suggested that Chennai may find themselves under pressure to compensate with high totals if their bowling does not improve.

"It means they may have to consistently score around 225-230 to give their bowlers a chance. Most teams now have significant batting depth, like we saw with Punjab Kings where Marcus Stoinis came in at No. 7 and struck the ball cleanly with proper cricketing shots."

Gavaskar emphasised how modern IPL teams have strengthened their lower order, making bowling discipline even more critical.

"With many sides batting deep, Chennai will need to get their bowling in order."