Under the electric floodlights of the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, a star was born. In a night etched in the annals of IPL history, 24-year-old Priyansh Arya unleashed a whirlwind knock that not only powered Punjab Kings (PBKS) to a crucial 18-run victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) but also earned him a place among the legends of the Indian Premier League.
Arya’s 103 off 42 balls wasn’t just another century—it was a statement. It was raw intent, precise execution, and unrelenting aggression wrapped in one of the most unforgettable innings the league has seen from an uncapped Indian player. This wasn’t just a hundred; this was a landmark moment that could define a career and shape the future of Indian cricket.
Let’s dive into the brilliance of Arya’s knock, the impact it had on the match, and what it means in the broader context of the IPL’s storied history.
 A Knock That Shook the Stadium
When Priyansh Arya walked to the crease, the scoreboard read 83/5. PBKS were tottering after a shaky start, and it looked like another collapse was imminent. But Arya had other ideas. He greeted Khaleel Ahmed with a thundering six off the very first delivery he faced. That one shot set the tone for what would become a blistering counterattack.
With fearless intent and sublime timing, Arya dismantled CSK’s bowling attack. He targeted pace and spin alike, particularly taking a liking to the short ball, which he pulled and hooked with ferocity. The young batter didn’t just clear the ropes—he launched the ball into the Mullanpur night, drawing roars from a packed house.
Arya’s century came up in just 39 balls, making it:
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The fastest century by an uncapped player in IPL history
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The second-fastest century by an Indian, just behind Yusuf Pathan’s 37-ball ton in 2010
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The fourth-fastest century overall in the league’s 18-season history
 Making the Most of His Chances
Cricket, like life, often offers second chances—and Arya made sure to capitalize on his. He was dropped twice during his innings:
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Khaleel Ahmed put down a regulation catch at deep midwicket when Arya was on 28.
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Later, Mukesh Choudhary spilled another chance at long-on when the batter was nearing his fifty.
But these misses would haunt CSK dearly, as Arya turned those lifelines into a match-winning assault.
His final tally included:
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8 sixes
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9 fours
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A strike rate of 245+
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A standing ovation from the crowd and his teammates
More importantly, he carried PBKS to a daunting total of 219/6—a score that looked unlikely before his arrival at the crease.
 The Uncapped Centurions’ Club
With his breathtaking innings, Arya became just the eighth uncapped player to score a century in the IPL. Here’s a look at the elite company he now keeps:
Score | Player | Year |
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124 | Yashasvi Jaiswal | 2023 |
120* | Paul Valthaty | 2011 |
115 | Shaun Marsh | 2008 |
114* | Manish Pandey | 2009 |
112* | Rajat Patidar | 2022 |
103 | Prabhsimran Singh | 2023 |
103 | Priyansh Arya | 2025 |
101* | Devdutt Padikkal | 2021 |
From Shaun Marsh in the inaugural season to Jaiswal’s rampage in 2023, this list features players who went on to achieve significant feats—many of whom soon donned the India jersey. With his fearless display, Arya has now thrown his hat into that conversation.
 CSK’s Brave Chase Falls Short
While Arya stole the show, the match wasn’t a complete walkover. Chennai Super Kings, known for their calculated chases, put up a fight. Their innings was anchored by Devon Conway’s steady 62, while MS Dhoni, in a nostalgic flourish, smashed 28 off 10 balls at the death.
But despite their efforts, CSK ended on 201/5, falling 18 runs short. The turning point? A brilliant middle-overs bowling spell by Yuzvendra Chahal, who picked up two crucial wickets and ensured CSK never truly caught up with the required rate.
The loss marked CSK’s second straight defeat in high-scoring games—an unusual blip for a team known for clutch performances.
 PBKS Climb into the Top Four
For Punjab Kings, this win was more than just two points—it was symbolic of a new chapter. This was their:
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First home victory of the season
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Fourth win overall, pushing them into the top four of the IPL 2025 points table
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A potential turning point in a campaign that had previously lacked consistency
With Arya stepping up, PBKS might have found their long-sought X-factor—a homegrown finisher who can take the game away from the opposition in a matter of overs.
Skipper Shikhar Dhawan, who missed the game due to a minor injury, watched from the dugout, applauding Arya’s every big hit. Interim captain Jitesh Sharma praised Arya in the post-match presentation:
“This kind of innings you don’t see every day. We’ve known Priyansh’s potential, but tonight, he showed the world what he’s capable of.”
Who is Priyansh Arya? The Story Behind the Fireworks
Until Monday night, Priyansh Arya was a relatively unknown name to the casual cricket fan. But those following Indian domestic cricket and the U23 circuit knew this was just a matter of time.
Born in Delhi, Arya was a standout performer for the India U23 side in 2023-24, where he topped the run charts in the Emerging Asia Cup. He was then snapped up by PBKS in the 2024 auctions for a modest ₹60 lakhs—a steal, considering the impact he’s now having.
A right-handed top-order batter with a natural flair for big hitting, Arya models his game on Virender Sehwag and AB de Villiers. But Monday’s innings showed he has a style and temperament all his own.
If this form continues, a national call-up may not be far off—especially with India looking to build its next generation of T20 superstars post the 2024 World Cup.
 Arya’s Knock in IPL History’s Context
To truly understand how significant Arya’s innings was, we need to view it in the context of IPL’s illustrious timeline:
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Only three centuries have come faster than Arya’s 39-ball effort
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He joins a rare breed of batters who can shift momentum almost single-handedly
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His strike rate is among the top five in IPL centuries, showcasing not just the volume but the efficiency of his run-making
And crucially, he achieved all this under pressure—rescuing a struggling innings and leading his side to a commanding win.
 The Road Ahead – For PBKS and Arya
With momentum now on their side, PBKS have a realistic shot at securing a playoff berth—something that has eluded them far too often in recent seasons.
As for Arya, the next few matches will be critical. Teams will now plan specifically for him. Can he maintain this form? Can he adapt? Can he thrive under the spotlight?
If the answer to even two of those questions is yes, India might just have found their next T20 sensation.
Final Word: A Night of Glory and a Glimpse of the Future
April 7, 2025, will be remembered as the night Priyansh Arya stepped out of the shadows and into the limelight. It was more than just a century—it was a statement of arrival.
For fans, this was the kind of IPL night they live for: a dramatic innings, new records, a thrilling finish, and the emergence of a future star. For PBKS, it was proof that their faith in youth could finally yield results. And for Arya, it was the beginning of what could be an extraordinary journey.
So as the dust settles on this unforgettable night in Mullanpur, one thing is clear—the IPL has a new hero, and his name is Priyansh Arya.
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