Priyansh Arya: Son of School Teachers, Now the Fastest Uncapped IPL Centurion
On a thrilling night in the IPL 2025 season, 24-year-old Priyansh Arya announced himself to the cricketing world with a jaw-dropping 39-ball century — the fastest ever by an uncapped player in IPL history. His match-winning knock not only helped Punjab Kings (PBKS) secure a vital 18-run victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) but also solidified his place as the tournament’s breakout star.
But Priyansh’s story goes far deeper than a single inning.
Ricky Ponting’s Prophetic Words Come True
Just days before the historic knock, Punjab Kings coach Ricky Ponting had spoken highly of the young Delhi opener at The Indian Express Idea Exchange. When asked about how IPL auction dynamics have changed, Ponting singled out Priyansh as an example of a modern pick.
“What I look for is ball-striking talent, like Priyansh Arya. He’s an out-and-out clean ball striker. He might look a bit unorthodox, but I guarantee he’s going to make a serious mark on this IPL.”
Ponting’s words now sound prophetic. PBKS had invested ₹3.8 crore in Priyansh at the IPL 2025 auction—and the young man has already started repaying that faith in gold.
From Ashok Vihar to IPL Stardom
Priyansh Arya hails from Ashok Vihar in Northwest Delhi, born to humble schoolteacher parents. While academic brilliance surrounded him—being close to Delhi’s coaching hubs for UPSC aspirants—Priyansh always dreamed bigger: of cricketing glory, of the IPL.
Not one for books, his real education came from the cricket field.
Each year, he’d show up at IPL trials, only to return home disappointed. But he never gave up. Time was running out, and he knew it.
The Breakthrough Moment: Six Sixes in One Over
In 2023, Delhi launched its own T20 League, and Priyansh finally got the stage he had long waited for. Amid a pool of Delhi’s best hitters at the iconic Kotla, Priyansh smashed six sixes in an over — a feat that instantly made him a headline name.
Soon after, he received a message from India’s T20 captain, Suryakumar Yadav:
“Keep believing in yourself… total entertainment.” – Surya wrote.
That moment changed everything. At the next IPL auction, teams were ready to battle for him. But it was Punjab Kings who saw the most potential and made the winning bid.
Mentored by Delhi’s Finest Coaches
Priyansh’s journey was shaped early under the guidance of renowned Delhi coach Sanjay Bharadwaj, who has previously mentored the likes of Gautam Gambhir, Amit Mishra, and Unmukt Chand.
Bharadwaj recalls:
“I never stopped Priyansh from playing aerial shots. That’s his natural strength. I gave him the freedom, and he never looked back.”
Young Priyansh would quietly watch Gambhir practice behind the nets, absorbing every detail. He even faced Amit Mishra in the nets as a teenager and launched him for two sixes—a memory that boosted his confidence early on.
Impressing in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy
In the 2023 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Priyansh had a breakthrough season—scoring 222 runs at a blistering strike rate of 166.91. His performances didn’t go unnoticed.
R. Ashwin, one of India’s most senior players, endorsed Priyansh before the auction.
“My number one pick… He played brilliantly in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. A left-handed Delhi opener to watch out for.”
Mindset, Motivation, and Staying Positive
In a recent podcast, Priyansh opened up about the mental side of his game.
“A senior once told me, ‘Keep all negative friends away.’ That stuck with me. I save videos of my best innings on my phone and watch them often. It gives me confidence.”
That playlist just got a new entry: his 103 off 39 balls against CSK. A knock that not only broke records but also fulfilled years of hard work, heartbreak, and hustle.
Also Read : Priyansh Arya ‘s Stunning Century Hands CSK Fourth Straight Loss in IPL 2025
From Rejections to Records
Priyansh Arya’s journey is a testament to resilience, self-belief, and raw talent. From being an underdog at trials to becoming the fastest uncapped centurion in IPL history, he’s proven that dreams do come true—with a bat in hand and courage in heart.
As the IPL 2025 season continues, Indian cricket may have just found its next star opener.
