T20 has always been a great stage to showcase today’s best batsmen, and even those who are still up and coming. Unlike other formats (ODIs and Tests) , T20 compresses the game into just 20 overs per side, and this encourages players to prioritize aggressive stroke play and rapid scoring.
Basically, the T20 format rewards batters who can immediately make an impact, whether by finding gaps for quick singles or by hitting boundaries under pressure.
With the recent T20 tournaments like the Indian Premier League (IPL), we are seeing more and more young and new players changing how teams play the sport, or at least how they strategize, and this year, the likes of Priyansh Arya, Vignesh Puthur, and many more are starting to make some noise on the field.
Punjab King’s Priyansh Arya
When talking about emerging batters for this 2025 IPL, Priyansh Arya of Punjab Kings (PBKS) is probably on top of that list. Arya has already stunned cricket fans with a blistering 39-ball century against Chennai Super Kings (CSK). This makes him the second-fastest Indian to achieve this feat in IPL history.
Ricky Ponting, Punjab Kings’ coach, praised the 24-year old’s performance. In an event in New Chandigarh, he said, “Priyansh Arya, I think, is a very special potential opening batsman for us going forward in the tournament. Depending on which way we go with our overseas make-up, he’s very exciting.”
He was also highly praising Arya’s performance after the notable match against CSK. Ponting said, “I’ve been around in a lot of cricket games. I haven’t seen many better knocks than what I have seen tonight.”
Ponting continued on and said, “There are two things that I want to highlight about Priyansh’s knock. You got out first ball last game and yet the first ball today sails 100 metre over point for a six. That says a lot about you and the attitude we all want to have. You’ve displayed that attitude to everybody today.”
According to him, regardless of what happened during their match against Rajasthan Royals, when Arya was out for a golden duck after getting bowled by Jofra Archer, Arya still delivered, and even if he didn’t make runs, he stuck to his game. “You displayed the attitude to put it back on the bowlers from the first ball. You did that. Unbelievable knock.”
Arya’s See-Ball, Hit-Ball Approach
Arya has already spoken to ESPN about his batting style, which he calls “see-ball, hit-ball.” He explained his disregard for potential failures, stating that getting out on a zero or making mistakes is simply part of the game.
He said it’s simply important to trust his instincts, as demonstrated in his innings against CSK, where he rebounded from earlier failures to score a remarkable 43-ball century.
He also spoke about how he appreciates their team’s head coach, Ponting, and captain, Shreyas Iyer. “I spoke to Sir Ricky [after his first-ball duck] and he told me that if I get the same ball in the next match, I should hit it out of the ground. I was very confident after hearing that.
“Shreyas bhaiya also told me not to worry: ‘you will play all the 14 matches’. That calmed me down a lot. If the captain is backing me so much, I feel very confident after hearing that.”
How These Young Players Change T20
Cricket betting online enthusiasts and other cricket fans are paying close attention to the emerging batters who are transforming the game, especially in tournaments like the IPL. Aside from Arya, the Mumbai Indians (MI) also have it good with Vignesh Puthur and Ashwani Kumar.
Puthur, known for his explosive starts, has consistently provided Mumbai with solid PowerPlay scores. Kumar, on the other hand, has excelled in finishing games. He often takes on bowlers in the death overs with his fearless hitting.
Teams like Gujarat Titans, Delhi Capitals, and Lucknow Super Giants also have notable batters under their belts like Sai Sudharan, Vipraj Nigam, and Digvesh Rathi. So, how are they contributing to how teams are strategizing in T20? Here are some ways:
Increased Aggression: Teams now prioritize attacking from the very first over. This contrasts with earlier approaches where batters might have focused on building a foundation before accelerating.
Higher Scoring Rates: The average scores in T20 matches have increased. This is partly due to the influence of these hitters.
Emphasis on Power Hitting: The ability to hit sixes consistently has become more important as young batters frequently work to develop this skill. This focus changes how teams construct their lineups and approach the death overs.
Adaptability: T20 cricket demands that batters adjust to different bowling styles and match situations, and young players often show a willingness to learn and adapt.
Conclusion: The Bright Future of T20 Hitting
There’s no denying that young and emerging cricket batters, and even other players, are starting to change how teams strategize their gameplay. In batting, we’re seeing how teams are becoming more aggressive, especially when scoring runs. That’s something we’ll definitely see more of, not just this season of the IPL but also in other up-and-coming cricket matches.
