Priyansh Arya made headlines during the recent edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) with a scintillating show. He blasted 103 runs off only 42 deliveries, propelling the Punjab Kings toward an 18-run win against the Chennai Super Kings. This match occurred on April 6, 2025, signaling Arya’s arrival as a dangerous contender in the tournament. He made his 100 in just his fourth IPL match. This was his second century of the season, bringing him level with Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Ishan Kishan.
Arya’s firework-starting innings opened with a massive six over point on the first ball of the match. His early fortune was put to the test when he was dropped on the very next ball by bowler Khaleel Ahmed. The ambitious young batsman had a lucky escape when he was dropped again on 35. India’s Vijay Shankar took a spectacular one-handed catch at backward point but it wasn’t to be caught. More missed opportunities followed when Mukesh Choudhary dropped a catch at long-off with Arya on 74.
During his innings, Arya delivered a superb array of shots, with his off-side strokeplay, in particular, proving a delight. He brought up his half-century in just 19 balls, clattering seamer Matheesha Pathirana for three sixes in a row. His milestone was reached in only 39 balls, including an extraordinary nine sixes. Arya’s remarkable performance contributed significantly to Punjab’s total of 219-6.
Punjab Kings assistant coach Brad Haddin was full of praise for Arya’s determination. Langer said that he was impressed with how Arya recovered from a first-ball duck against England pacer Jofra Archer in the last match. Haddin expressed admiration for Arya’s mindset following his dismissal by stating, “The way he responded to getting out first ball was first-class.” He hailed Arya’s attitude as characterising the fearlessness that we want in our young players, adding, “That is what you want. You don’t want your toddlers to be out there afraid to play.”
It’s that Arya’s century has game-changing impact that makes it special. Not only was it the joint fourth-fastest century in IPL history, it’s the second-fastest century ever scored by an Indian. After a performance like that, expectations are sky high for the rest of the matches this 2023 season.
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