"Jungle Mein Jung, City Mein Hungama!" – The Untold Story of Priyansh Arya's Explosive IPL Journey
When we talk about breakthrough performances in the IPL, there are a few names that instantly spark excitement. But this season, one young name is dominating conversations – Priyansh Arya. And why not? The uncapped star stunned everyone with a blistering 100 off just 39 balls, making it the 4th fastest century in IPL history! The venue? A high-stakes match against the mighty Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on April 8, and Arya's ton led his side to a thunderous victory.
But this isn’t just another rags-to-riches story. What makes Priyansh’s journey fascinating is where and how he trained before the IPL 2025 season. And to get the full picture, we need to go into the heart of the jungle.
🔥 Training Deep in the Forest – Literally!
Yes, you read that right. Priyansh Arya didn’t prep for the IPL in some swanky, high-tech cricket academy in a metro city. Instead, he went off-grid — to a gurukul-style cricket training centre hidden inside the Ratapani Forest, about 20 km from Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
The camp is run by Sanjay Bhardwaj, a name that might ring a bell for serious cricket fans. He’s the same coach who helped shape the careers of stars like Gautam Gambhir, Nitish Rana, Unmukt Chand, and Kulwant Khejrolia. And now, Priyansh is the latest name to emerge from this mystical cricketing retreat.
"He practiced here before DPL and IPL. This isn’t just a camp—it’s a lifestyle," Bhardwaj shared in an exclusive chat with India Today. "It’s like a gurukul... no distractions, no pollution, just pure dedication."
📵 12 Hours of Grind, 1 Hour of Phone – That’s It!
Life inside the Ratapani jungle is far from luxurious. Forget AC rooms and fancy meals — this place is about sweat, discipline, and total focus.
Here’s what a typical day looked like for Priyansh:
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Wake-up call & practice begins at 6:30 AM
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Training continues non-stop till 6 PM
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Phones allowed only for one hour a day
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Meals cooked on a traditional chulha (brick stove)
Talk about old-school meets next-gen! And no, there’s not even a signboard marking the academy’s location. Bhardwaj said, “Even if you’re nearby, you’ll miss it. There’s nothing — no name, no board. It’s meant to stay away from the chaos.”
🌟 From the Forest to the Field – A Century for the Ages
Fast forward to April 8 — the match that catapulted Priyansh Arya into IPL stardom. With the pressure high and the opposition being the five-time champions CSK, Arya played like a man possessed.
100 runs in just 39 balls! That’s not just skill — that’s the result of countless hours of quiet, focused training where no camera was watching, no cheerleaders were dancing, and no social media posts were being made.
Bhardwaj, who watched the innings from afar, received a call from Priyansh the very next morning.
“He asked me, ‘Sir, maine theek toh khela na?’” Bhardwaj recalled fondly. “I told him — leave everything to God. If He’s with you, you’ll shine.”
🔍 No Glamour, Just Grit – The Bhardwaj Way
This kind of commitment isn’t new for Sanjay Bhardwaj’s students. Players like Nitish Rana and Unmukt Chand have all been through the same grind. No shortcuts, no compromises — just intense cricket, life lessons, and basic living.
Bhardwaj believes that it’s the absence of distractions that creates champions.
“He trained away from the pollution and the heat of Delhi. That makes a difference. It clears the mind and builds toughness.”
Indeed, when a young player chooses a remote jungle camp over a glamorous pre-season in Mumbai or Bangalore, it speaks volumes about their mindset.
⚡ IPL 2025 – Expect Fireworks!
With Priyansh Arya now in the spotlight, IPL 2025 just got a lot more interesting. Will he continue this purple patch? Can he sustain the pressure of expectation? One thing’s for sure — the way he’s prepared, he’s not here for just one highlight reel moment.
Whether you're a CSK fan recovering from the blow, or a neutral viewer who loves to see new talent emerge, this season is shaping up to be something truly special.
Here’s what you should keep an eye on this IPL:
✅ Top Team Battles – CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, RR – all eyeing that trophy!
✅ Orange Cap & Purple Cap Races – Who’ll end the season as the top batter and bowler?
✅ Live Scores, Player Stats & More – Stay in the loop with the most updated IPL 2025 coverage.
💬 Final Thoughts – A Star is Born, but the Journey Matters More
What makes Priyansh Arya’s hundred more special isn’t just the pace or flair—it’s the soul behind the innings. It’s the mornings in the jungle. It’s the chulha-cooked food. It’s the 12-hour grinds with no luxury or limelight. It’s the belief of a coach and the humility of a player who, after creating history, simply asked, “Sir, was that okay?”
This is more than cricket. It’s a reminder that in a world full of glitz, real greatness often grows quietly—hidden deep in a forest.
📢 Don’t Miss a Moment!
Catch all the latest updates on IPL 2025 – from live scores, match schedules, and team squads, to in-depth analysis on top players like Priyansh Arya.
Because when a player comes out of the jungle and sets the stadium on fire, you know this IPL is going to be legendary.
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