Priyansh Arya‘s fearless century against Chennai Super Kings in Mullanpur on Tuesday became the talk of the IPL, as the 24-year-old opener smashed his way to the joint fourth-fastest hundred in the tournament’s history. Arya’s explosive 103 off just 42 balls, peppered with nine sixes and seven fours, propelled Punjab Kings to a commanding 18-run win.
Yet, it was not just Arya’s fiery bat that earned accolades but his unwavering attitude that captured the attention of none other than head coach Ricky Ponting. Coming off a first-ball duck in the previous match, Arya bounced back with a vengeance, lifting his team from a precarious 83/5 to post a historic 219/6, the highest-ever total at the venue.
In an emotional post-match huddle in the team’s dressing room, Ponting could hardly contain his admiration for Arya’s resilience and mindset. I’ve been around a lot of games of cricket. I haven’t seen many better knocks than what I saw tonight,
the former Australian captain remarked. He specifically lauded Arya’s mental fortitude, saying, You got out first ball last game, and yet the first ball today sails 100 metres over point for six. That says a lot about you and the attitude that we all want to have.
Ponting further commended Arya for his relentless approach against the bowlers regardless of his previous failure. Regardless of what happened last game, you stuck to your game. You displayed the attitude to put it back on the bowlers. From the first ball, you did that. Unbelievable knock,
he added.
Arya’s onslaught was particularly ruthless against Matheesha Pathirana, whom he dispatched for three consecutive sixes and a four to reach his maiden IPL century. Although he was dismissed in the 13th over attempting to clear long-on, the damage was done, turning the tide of the match firmly in Punjab’s favor.
Shashank Singh and Marco Jansen further bolstered Punjab’s total with an unbeaten 65-run stand. Singh scored a composed 52* off 36 balls, while Jansen contributed a vital 34* off 19. Ponting took a moment to praise their contributions as well. To Singh, he said, Smart, calculating. You did what the team needed. That’s what I keep asking: ‘What does my team need from me right now?’ You answered that perfectly.
And to Jansen, he added, Very important runs. You even said at the time-out we could get to 220 — and we got 219! We were 80 for 5, backs to the wall, and look what we did. That’s what good teams do.
With this crucial victory, Punjab Kings climbed to the fourth spot on the IPL points table. Arya, with his spectacular innings, not only showcased his explosive batting prowess but also embodied a fearless, team-first mentality cherished by coaches and fans alike.