
Power. Passion. Precision. Panache. Priyansh Arya had it all in a night where he hardly put a foot wrong.
In an electrifying IPL encounter against the Chennai Super Kings on 8th April 2025, our Sher etched his name into the annals of IPL history with a scintillating century. The young batting prodigy showcased a masterclass in aggressive yet calculated batting, steering us to a thrilling victory in a match that will be remembered for years to come.
Having launched the very first ball of the game for a six, the 24-year-old set the tone for an innings for everyone watching to fall in awe. With that first ball six against CSK, he also became only the 4th player in IPL history to do so.
Arya didn’t leave a single award behind! 🦁🏆 pic.twitter.com/QcHIfkA6Ln
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) April 9, 2025
Priyansh’s explosiveness with the bat at the top of the batting order is well-documented, thanks to his recent performances in the Syed Mustaq Ali Trophy and in the Delhi Premier League. While the stats might suggest otherwise, Arya’s century was far more nuanced for someone of his age and experience. Our young gun walked out to the crease to open the innings alongside his usual partner, Prabhsimran Singh.
This knock was different. This knock commanded a sense of composure and responsibility required at the crease, and he delivered when it mattered the most. We needed a solid foundation after losing early wickets, and the southpaw stepped up to the plate. By the time we had lost our 5th wicket at the 8-over mark, we had put up 83 runs on the board - albeit the other 5 departed batters combined for just 23 runs. That remarkable score was thanks to the onslaught Arya had carried against the opposition bowlers that paid dividends.
The pitch at the venue offered a balanced contest between bat and ball, with the CSK bowlers exploiting the conditions early on. However, Arya’s composure and technical prowess came to the fore as he meticulously constructed his innings, blending patience with flamboyant stroke play.
His innings began cautiously, with a focus on rotating the strike and finding gaps. But once set, Arya unleashed an array of breathtaking shots that left the CSK bowlers and fielders scrambling. His impeccable timing and placement were on full display as he dispatched deliveries to all parts of the ground. The hallmark of his innings was his ability to adapt to different bowlers, seamlessly shifting gears when required. Our Sher raced to a 19-ball fifty inside the powerplay but quickly shifted his focus on building a partnership with Shashank Singh. Our in-form duo took calculated risks, with a return of 71-run partnership in just 34 balls.
Arya’s century came off just 39 balls, studded with 7 boundaries and 9 towering sixes - the joint 4th fastest in the tournament’s history and the fastest by an uncapped Indian player. His shot selection was impeccable, with lofted drives, elegant flicks, and powerful pulls captivating the crowd. The highlight of his knock was a series of consecutive sixes (3 sixes to be precise) off a seasoned CSK pacer in Matheesha Pathirana, showcasing his fearless approach and supreme confidence. In the process of reaching an uncharted personal milestone, Arya followed in the footsteps of another former PBKS uncapped opener in Paul Valthaty - who also ran riot against CSK with a knock of 120-run ton in 2011.
An uncapped opener turning up the heat against CSK, we've seen this before. 🥹 pic.twitter.com/KREIh5UwnE
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) April 9, 2025
What made Arya’s innings even more remarkable was his ability to anchor the innings while maintaining an aggressive strike rate. He formed a crucial partnership, rotating the strike effectively and ensuring that the scoreboard kept ticking. His synergy with the rest of his middle-order teammates ensured that we stayed on course during the tense phases of the innings.
Our Sher set quite a few records on the night, becoming the 3rd youngest player to score an IPL century for us. That ton was also the 2nd fastest by an Indian player - only behind Yusuf Pathan (37 balls). Arya also wrote history by etching his name for the 2nd-fastest ton for us in the IPL, behind former PBKS player David Miller (38 balls).
The Chennai Super Kings, known for their strategic acumen and experienced bowling attack, found it challenging to contain Arya. CSK’s tactical field placements and frequent bowling changes did little to disrupt Arya’s rhythm. His calculated aggression and mental fortitude under pressure were commendable, reflecting maturity beyond his years.
As Arya reached his century, the stadium erupted in applause, with fans and teammates celebrating a knock of sheer brilliance. His innings not only propelled us to a formidable total but also sent a message to the rest of the bowlers in the league - that a star is born.
𝐅𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝐇𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐁𝐘 𝐀𝐍 𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐃 𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐀𝐍 𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐘𝐄𝐑 𝐈𝐍 𝐈𝐏𝐋 𝐇𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘! 🚨
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) April 8, 2025
Priyansh Arya, take a bow! 🙇🏻 pic.twitter.com/n55bH38a9m
Our 24-year-old’s century in just his 4th IPL game is more than just a statistical milestone; it's a testament to his talent, hard work, and determination. This knock has undoubtedly elevated his stature in the IPL, and will be remembered as one of the standout performances of the 2025 season. As the tournament progresses, fans and cricket pundits alike will eagerly anticipate more such explosive innings from our rising star.