Priyansh Arya: The IPL 2025 Star in Making
Punjab Kings’ 24-year-old opener Priyansh Arya made IPL history by smashing a sensational 102 off just 43 balls against Chennai Super Kings, registering the fastest century by an uncapped player. It wasn’t just a powerful knock—it was an instinct-driven innings that reflected the mindset of a fearless cricketer, shaped through failures, coaching, and unwavering belief.
Arya’s approach is simple: see the ball, hit the ball. Just days after a golden duck, Arya smashed Khaleel Ahmed’s first delivery for six, signaling his intent. Despite being dropped early, Arya didn’t retreat. Instead, he kept attacking, notably smashing Ashwin and Khaleel again with fearless precision.
He ended with a strike rate of 210.66, scoring 11 sixes—the second highest for PBKS this season. The inning marked not just his rise, but a symbolic moment in IPL 2025 where a youngster outshone legends like Ashwin and Pathirana.
Arya credits Ricky Ponting and Shreyas Iyer for backing him consistently. After his first-ball duck, Ponting encouraged him to hit the same shot again, showing absolute trust. Iyer told him he would play all 14 matches, calming his nerves and boosting confidence.
Off the field, Arya is deeply grounded. He credits his childhood coach Sanjay Bharadwaj—who also mentored Gautam Gambhir—for shaping his mindset and sharpening technical shots like cut and pull. Sanjay sir’s daily conversations keep Arya focused and mentally strong.
Arya’s journey wasn’t easy. From being dropped in 2021 to going unsold in the 2024 IPL auction, he stayed resilient. The Delhi Premier League, where he hit six sixes in an over, changed everything—leading to selection in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and then IPL.
In the IPL, Arya’s instinct is his greatest weapon. He isn’t afraid of failure. “If I get out on zero, I’ll score a hundred next time,” he says. And that’s exactly what he did.
With his natural attacking play, growing maturity, and solid backing from the team and coach, Priyansh Arya isn’t just a one-match wonder—he could be the face of India’s next-gen cricket.
