'After Sachin, this is the second player who is a miracle' - Navjot Sidhu's special message for Priyansh Arya following blazing ton against CSK

Punjab Kings' young opener, Priyansh Arya, pulled off an astonishing century on Tuesday evening in Mullanpur against five-time champions Chennai Super Kings, smashing 103 runs off just 42 balls. Arya not only registered his maiden IPL century but also earned a massive compliment from former Indian opener–turned commentator, Navjot Singh Sidhu.

The former compared Arya to the likes of legendary Indian batters, Sachin Tendulkar and Mohammad Azharuddin. Sidhu also believes that the southpaw will go on to represent the nation and play for a long run.

"If you have a diamond in the box, you don't know the value, but if it's in your hand, you know what is its worth. Today, I am saying it with a bang, Priyansh Arya will play for India. And won't just play, but play for a long, long time. After Sachin Tendulkar, this is the second player who is a miracle," he said in a video posted on social media.

Coming in to bat after Punjab had lost early wickets, Arya held one end firmly. From the very first ball, a six off Khaleel Ahmed, he displayed attacking intent. Despite losing support at the other end, the 24-year-old never let his strike rate dip, dominating the CSK attack with nine sixes and seven fours.

The century came in a tough situation: Sidhu

His century, coming off just 39 balls, was not only the fastest ever against CSK, but also the quickest by an uncapped Indian player in IPL history. Sidhu also mentioned that Arya's knock was a treat to watch due to the situation he was put into, considering that the others in the top six scored 0, 9, 4, 9, and 1. Arya's heroics helped PBKS post a total of 220, which eventually proved enough as they recorded an 18-run win, their third of the season. 

"Why am I saying this? Because today, the century who has been put in 40 balls, in which situations has he been put? Who was the bowler in front, and he has put in a strike rate of 250. In that situation where the boat had to cross, and the boat had to cross, where the Shreyas Iyer was out, where Wadhera had gone back, where Prabhsimran had gone back," the former India cricketer added.

"You must have heard the song, Gori hain kalaiyaan (Bollywood chartbuster melody from 1990) - these are the tight wrists like Mohd. Azharuddin's, meaning Gundappa Vishwanath's. The six he hit at point, then on the cover, and then the one using the wrists he hit towards the mid-wicket, and he turned the entire range. Who were the bowlers in front? - Pathirana, Jadeja. Ashwin, with 500 Test wickets. These were the bowlers, Noor Ahmad who turns the ball. To do this in front of them and to get Punjab to a win, this is amazing," concluded the cricketer-turned-commentator.