Ravichandran Ashwin claims Priyansh Arya is ahead of Ayush Mhatre, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in IPL 2026

The ongoing TATA Indian Premier League 2026 (TATA IPL 2026) is becoming the season of young stars, and now a fresh debate has started by Ravichandran Ashwin. With new talents shining every week, the former Indian off-spinner has pointed out the real standout among the rising batters.

Ravichandran Ashwin's take on this matter made things even more interesting. While many young players have impressed this season, the former all-rounder feels Priyansh Arya is slightly ahead of the rest.

Ravichandran Ashwin picks Priyansh Arya ahead of Ayush Mhatre and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Ravichandran Ashwin said that Punjab Kings’ explosive batter Priyansh Arya is looking more complete as a T20 cricketer as compared to Chennai Super Kings' sensation Ayush Mhatre and Rajasthan Royals’ teen batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

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The main reason behind Ashwin’s pick is that Priyansh is not just playing attacking shots, but he is also turning his starts into big scores. Priyansh has already shown his class this season with a blistering knock of 93 runs off just 37 balls against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).

This knock was not just about hitting boundaries, but also about controlling the game and taking it away from the opposition. However, Vaibhav has already shown the world what he can do, and even Ayush, before his injury, outshone Chennai Super Kings superstars with his talent.

Priyansh Arya has a wider range of shots: Ashwin

Their aggressive approach made them some of the most exciting young players in the tournament. But it was Priyansh’s ability to go beyond just a good start, building his innings smartly; his shot selection and range make him look more settled and reliable at this stage, felt Ashwin.

Ravichandran Ashwin said on his YouTube channel, "Kisiko upar-neeche laane ka nahi hai, magar ye jo Priyansh Arya hai na. Jitna Ayush Mhatre and jitna Vaibhav Sooryavanshi hain, usse bhi thora ek kadam mujhe lag raha hain agey hain. Compare nahi kar raha hu. Kyunki yeh bada run bana lete hain, inke paas range of shots zyada hain.

(I am not trying to put anyone above or below anyone, but Priyansh Arya, to me, looks a step ahead even of Ayush Mhatre and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. I am not comparing them, because he goes on to make big scores and he has a wider range of shots.)”

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Ravichandran Ashwin shares an honest take on Jasprit Bumrah

The former off-spinner also shared his views on Jasprit Bumrah’s performance in the ongoing IPL 2026. Bumrah managed to end his wicketless streak on April 20 when he dismissed Sai Sudharsan during the Mumbai Indians' 99-run win over the Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad.

Ashwin said, “I still think Bumrah bowled really well in the first two matches, but then the team started losing. Then the narrative also started that Bumrah was not getting wickets. That was probably playing on his mind. He got a wicket, and that was bound to happen. In the last two games, he is not the Bumrah that I have seen, but chances are that we will see the best of him ahead.”