The ongoing TATA Indian Premier League 2026 (TATA IPL 2026) is becoming the season of young stars, and now Ravichandran Ashwin has started a new debate. With new talent shining every week, the former Indian player has pointed out who really stands out among the rising batsmen.

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

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

Ravichandran Ashwin said Punjab Kings’ explosive batsman Priyansh Arya looks more complete as a T20 cricketer compared to Chennai Super Kings’ sensation Ayush Mhatre and Rajasthan Royals’ teenage batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

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The main reason behind choosing Ashwin is that Priyansh is not only playing attacking shots but is also converting his starts into big scores. Priyansh has already shown his class this season with an impressive knock of 93 runs off just 37 balls against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).

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

Priyansh Arya has wider shooting range: Ashwin

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

Ravichandran Ashwin said on his YouTube channel: “No one should go down, but this is Priyansh Arya. As much as Ayush Mhatre and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, he also seems a small step ahead of me. I am not comparing him. Because he has made great careers, he has more shooting range.

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

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Ravichandran Ashwin shares honest insight on Jasprit Bumrah

The former 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 Mumbai Indians’ 99-run win over the Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad.

Ashwin said, “I still think Bumrah played very 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 in his mind. He got a wicket, and that was bound to happen. In the last two games, he is not the Bumrah I have seen, but chances are we will see the best from him in the future.”