Priyansh Arya, the young Punjab Kings (PBKS) opener who hit a stunning 42-ball 103 against Chennai Super Kings (CSK)** at Mullanpur, has lately joined this list.
Along with becoming Arya’s first IPL century, this amazing performance ranked among the fastest centurions in the history of the event. Now ranking as the joint-fourth quickest century in IPL, his 39-ball hundred ties with Travis Head’s record from 2024.
Arya’s Breaking Innings Against CSK
After a violent bidding war, 24-year-old Delhi batsman Priyansh Arya was bought by PBKS for INR 3.8 crore in the 2025 auction. From his debut, where he scored a quickfire 23-ball 47, his skill was clear-cut; but, his knock against CSK demonstrated he belongs among the elite.
Arya said his intentions with a first-ball six, facing a strong CSK bowling attack. He stayed aggressive even when wickets were falling at the other end. His attack on Matheesha Pathirana was especially vicious; three straight sixes followed a four in the 13th over, so scoring his century in just 39 balls.
With nine fours and seven sixes, he proved he could control both spin and pace. Arya was widely praised for his honest batting style since it established the basis for PBKS’s effective pursuit.
The Quickest Centuries in IPL History
Along with some of the most devastating innings in IPL history, Arya’s scorching ton now ranks among the records. Here are the five fastest century in the tournament:
Chris Gayle – 30 Balls (175 against Pune Warriors, 2013)
Reaching the mark in just thirty balls while playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), the “Universe Boss” boasts the fastest IPL century. Still the best individual score in T20 cricket, his undefeated 175 off 66 balls Gayle’s first 103 runs were in boundaries; his innings comprised 13 fours and 17 sixes.
2. Yusuf Pathan—37 Balls (100 against Mumbai Indians, 2010)
Yusuf Pathan almost executed an unbelievable chase against Mumbai Indians (MI), playing for Rajasistan Royals (RR). Pathan went crazy, demolishing a 37-ball century, needing 143 off 57 balls. He hammered nine fours and eight sixes, but RR fell short by four runs. Later, Shane Warne declared it to be the “best T20 innings” he had ever seen.
David Miller – 38 Balls (101 against RCB, 2013) *
Known as “Killer Miller,” the left-handed South African left-hander defeated RCB single-handedly for Punjab Kings (formerly Kings XI Punjab). Chasing 191, PBKS was suffering at 64/4 before Miller fired a 38-ball 101*, comprising 8 fours and 7 sixes. “If it’s in the V, it’s in the tree,” he once said. His merciless hitting summed up, “if it’s in the arc, it’s out of the park.”
Travis Head – 39 Balls (102 versus RCB, 2024) & Priyansh Arya – 39 Balls (103 vs CSK, 2025)
With a record-breaking team score of 287, Travis Head (Sunrisers Hyderabad) destroyed RCB’s bowling in 2024 hitting 102 off 41 balls.
With his 39-ball 103, Priyansh Arya matched Head’s achievement a year later and demonstrated that the next generation of Indian hitters is prepared to take front stage.
Why is the Century Special for Arya unique?
Arya, just 24, has showed under duress performance capability. He is a future star because of his honest approach, clean striking, and ability to accelerate against top bowlers. PBKS’s investment in him is already paying off; if he keeps this form, he might shortly be in competition for Team India.
Main lessons learned from Arya’s Innings:
- Fastest Indian to an IPL century, alongside KL Rahul who also took 39 balls.
- first century for PBKS in IPL 2025.
- Shows that youthful Indian talent can rule alongside more seasoned stars.
Finally, One New Star Emerges in the IPL
The 42-ball 103 of Priyansh Arya against CSK has declared his entrance on the grand arena. He has entered an elite list of IPL centurions with his courageous batting, therefore demonstrating that the tournament still provides a stage for developing talent.
Fans will be keenly observing to see whether Arya can provide more spectacular performances as the 2025 IPL season advances. Should he do so, he might very likely be the next great batsman in Indian cricket.