Punjab Kings’ newest sensation Priyansh Arya etched his name into the Indian Premier League (IPL) history books with a blistering century off just 39 balls against Chennai Super Kings here on Tuesday, becoming the fastest uncapped player to score a hundred in the league.
The 24-year-old left-hander’s whirlwind knock not only stunned the CSK bowling attack but also thrilled the home fans at the new Mullanpur stadium, who bore witness to an innings of rare audacity and flair. With this innings, Priyansh joined the elite list of fastest hundreds in IPL history — tied with Travis Head (2024) and behind only Chris Gayle (30 balls, 2013), Yusuf Pathan (37 balls, 2010) and David Miller (38 balls, 2013).
Walking in with PBKS in a tricky spot, Priyansh unleashed an array of fearless shots, dismantling the likes of Matheesha Pathirana and Ravindra Jadeja with remarkable composure. His innings was a mix of raw power and unorthodox elegance, reminiscent of his exploits in the Delhi Premier League where he famously struck six sixes in an over.
The moment of glory came in the 13th over when he reached the landmark off a Pathirana delivery — a full ball angled into the pads. Trying to flick it, he got a thick edge that ran past short third man to the boundary. What followed was a roar from the fans, as Priyansh removed his helmet, raised his bat to the skies, and soaked in the thunderous applause. His jubilant teammates in the dugout erupted in celebration.
Priyansh’s century joins an exclusive club of IPL hundreds by uncapped players, including Shaun Marsh (2008), Manish Pandey (2009), Paul Valthaty (2011), Devdutt Padikkal (2021), Rajat Patidar (2022), Yashasvi Jaiswal (2022), and Prabhsimran Singh (2023).
More than just a milestone, this innings is likely to change the course of Priyansh Arya’s cricketing journey, drawing the attention of national selectors and setting the stage for a promising future.
Who is Priyansh Arya?
Priyansh Arya was born on January 18, 2001 in Delhi. His parents Pawan Arya and Radha Bala Arya are school teachers. He has been mentored by coach Sanjay Bharadwaj, who has also coached notable players like Gautam Gambhir and Unmukt Chand.
He is a left-handed opening batsman known for his aggressive and dynamic playing style. He first garnered significant attention in August 2024 during the Delhi Premier League (DPL) when he struck six consecutive sixes in an over, scoring 120 off 50 balls. This remarkable feat contributed to his team's total of 308/5, one of the highest scores in T20 cricket.
Arya's domestic cricket performances further highlighted his potential. He made an impressive first-class debut for Delhi in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy, scoring 71 against Tamil Nadu. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he delivered a blistering 102 off 46 balls against Uttar Pradesh, showcasing his prowess in the shorter format.
His consistent performances led to a bidding war during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction, where the Punjab Kings acquired him for INR 3.8 crore.
