emirates7 - The new Indian Premier League (IPL) season has taken on a distinctly homegrown character, with uncapped Indian players outshining seasoned internationals and underlining the vital role of domestic Twenty20 leagues in developing emerging talent.
Cricketers like Priyansh Arya, Vignesh Puthur, and Digvesh Rathi have all sharpened their skills in regional Indian T20 tournaments and are now making significant contributions in the IPL.
Priyansh, who made headlines in the Delhi Premier League (DPL) last year by smashing six sixes in a single over and scoring over 600 runs in just 10 matches, was the star of the for Punjab Kings on Tuesday. His blistering knock of 103 runs off 42 deliveries, including seven boundaries and nine sixes, helped secure an 18-run victory over Chennai Super Kings. His century came off just 39 balls, equaling the fourth-fastest in IPL history, a record he now shares with Travis Head.
Punjab teammate Shashank Singh, who also earned his IPL spot through impressive domestic performances, emphasized the value of state-level leagues. “These leagues are incredibly useful," he told reporters. "Players like Priyansh and Digvesh have really benefited from them. Not only do they get to play with Kookaburra balls and in pressure situations, but it also reveals their character and mental strength, which is just as important as skill.”
Digvesh, who took 14 wickets in the DPL last year, has made a strong impact this season for Lucknow Super Giants.
Similarly, Ashwani Kumar, a left-arm pacer who claimed 11 wickets in seven matches in the Sher-E-Punjab T20 League, made a dream IPL debut for Mumbai Indians last month by taking four wickets against Kolkata Knight Riders.
His Mumbai Indians teammate Vignesh, who played in the Kerala Cricket League, also impressed in his debut, picking up three wickets for 32 runs against CSK.
Punjab skipper Shreyas Iyer praised Priyansh’s fearless approach and urged other young players to adopt a similar mindset. “Priyansh’s innings today was absolutely thrilling to watch. It was something special,” he said. “In the last game, he seemed a little hesitant, especially against Jofra Archer. But tonight, he trusted his instincts and played with freedom. That’s the mentality I want from all our players—bold, confident, and impactful. This was one of the finest innings I’ve witnessed in the IPL.”
Cricketers like Priyansh Arya, Vignesh Puthur, and Digvesh Rathi have all sharpened their skills in regional Indian T20 tournaments and are now making significant contributions in the IPL.
Priyansh, who made headlines in the Delhi Premier League (DPL) last year by smashing six sixes in a single over and scoring over 600 runs in just 10 matches, was the star of the for Punjab Kings on Tuesday. His blistering knock of 103 runs off 42 deliveries, including seven boundaries and nine sixes, helped secure an 18-run victory over Chennai Super Kings. His century came off just 39 balls, equaling the fourth-fastest in IPL history, a record he now shares with Travis Head.
Punjab teammate Shashank Singh, who also earned his IPL spot through impressive domestic performances, emphasized the value of state-level leagues. “These leagues are incredibly useful," he told reporters. "Players like Priyansh and Digvesh have really benefited from them. Not only do they get to play with Kookaburra balls and in pressure situations, but it also reveals their character and mental strength, which is just as important as skill.”
Digvesh, who took 14 wickets in the DPL last year, has made a strong impact this season for Lucknow Super Giants.
Similarly, Ashwani Kumar, a left-arm pacer who claimed 11 wickets in seven matches in the Sher-E-Punjab T20 League, made a dream IPL debut for Mumbai Indians last month by taking four wickets against Kolkata Knight Riders.
His Mumbai Indians teammate Vignesh, who played in the Kerala Cricket League, also impressed in his debut, picking up three wickets for 32 runs against CSK.
Punjab skipper Shreyas Iyer praised Priyansh’s fearless approach and urged other young players to adopt a similar mindset. “Priyansh’s innings today was absolutely thrilling to watch. It was something special,” he said. “In the last game, he seemed a little hesitant, especially against Jofra Archer. But tonight, he trusted his instincts and played with freedom. That’s the mentality I want from all our players—bold, confident, and impactful. This was one of the finest innings I’ve witnessed in the IPL.”