'Watching you rise from DPL to setting records in the IPL' - Dhawan praises Arya for his century knock against CSK

Left-handed opener Priyansh Arya became an overnight sensation after his blistering century for Punjab Kings (PBKS) against five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL 2025. The Uttar Pradesh-born cricketer smashed a stunning 103 runs off just 39 balls at Mullanpur, helping his team register their first home-ground victory of the season.

The left-handed batter’s explosive innings, which included nine sixes, powered PBKS to a formidable total of 219. Punjab went on to win the match by 18 runs. The knock by Arya earned him the achievement of scoring the fourth-fastest century in IPL history.

Former PBKS skipper Shikhar Dhawan was all praise for the young batter’s match-defining performance. The Delhi-born veteran applauded Arya’s growth from making records in the Delhi Premier League (DPL) to setting new records on the IPL stage.

“Huge shoutout to Priyansh Arya for becoming one of the fastest to score a hundred in the history of the IPL. Watching you rise from DPL to setting records in the IPL, what an incredible journey it has been. Truly proud of you champ, keep this up!” Dhawan wrote on X.

Check out Shikhar Dhawan's viral post for Priyansh Arya here:

Arya’s journey from DPL to IPL

The youngster first made headlines in August 2024 when he smashed six sixes in an over during the last edition of the DPL. He finished the tournament as the leading run-scorer, amassing 608 runs in 10 innings while representing South Delhi Superstarz. PBKS secured him in the IPL mega auction for ₹3.8 crore.

Also Read: Irfan Pathan takes 'Legends League' dig at IPL stars after multiple fielding lapses in PBKS-CSK tie

Punjab Kings' assistant coach Brad Haddin was also impressed with Priyansh Arya’s batting skills during training sessions, which played a key role in earning the left-handed batter a spot in the playing XI. PBKS will face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on April 12, in Hyderabad. The side will be looking to maintain their winning momentum.

“In the first practice match that he played, four of the first eight balls went for six and we just stopped. We knew this boy was special and he had to play," Haddin said.