Priyansh Arya made a sensational IPL debut by smashing a 39-ball century — the fastest ever by an uncapped Indian and the joint fourth-fastest overall in the tournament’s history — as Punjab Kings (PBKS) handed Chennai Super Kings (CSK) their fourth straight loss in IPL 2025. Only Chris Gayle (30 balls), Yusuf Pathan (37), and David Miller (38) have reached the milestone quicker than Arya.
CSK were their own worst enemies in the field, putting down as many as five catches — two of which gave Priyansh Arya extra lives. The 24-year-old debutant made full use of the reprieves, blazing his way to a century by the 13th over. He eventually fell for 103 off just 42 balls in the following over, but Shashank Singh (52*) and Marco Jansen (34*) ensured a strong finish for PBKS.
CSK got off to a promising start in their chase of 220, with Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra putting together 59 runs in the powerplay. However, their familiar middle-order frailties resurfaced once again. Conway retired out after a steady 69 off 49 balls, leaving CSK with 49 runs needed off the final 13 deliveries. Despite the presence of finishers MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja, the equation proved too steep.
This marks CSK’s 11th consecutive failure to chase down a target of 180 or more, a streak that dates back to the 2020 season.
Table of Contents
Priyansh Arya’s Audacious Knock Leaves CSK Reeling
Priyansh Arya, already a sensation after smashing six sixes in an over during the inaugural Delhi Premier League, was the subject of a fierce bidding war at the IPL 2025 auction. Backed by his coach Ricky Ponting—who had labelled him a “special” talent—Arya lived up to the hype in just his fourth IPL appearance on Tuesday.
Drawing comparisons to a left-handed Virender Sehwag, Arya plays with a see-ball-hit-ball philosophy, combined with remarkable timing. His standout moment came against Matheesha Pathirana, who missed his mark by the slightest margin with a wide yorker. Arya dispatched it for six over point, then followed it up with two more sixes and a four to bring up a stunning 39-ball century in the 13th over.
Arya was eventually dismissed for 103 off 42 balls in the next over, dragging a delivery from Noor Ahmad to long-on. His blistering knock stood in stark contrast to the rest of the PBKS top six, who collectively managed just 23 runs off 25 deliveries.
It could’ve been a different story had CSK held their chances—Khaleel Ahmed dropped a return catch when Arya was on 6, and Vijay Shankar missed a tougher opportunity when he was on 35. Arya brought up his half-century in just 19 balls by lofting R Ashwin over mid-off in the powerplay’s final over.
Ashwin, one of CSK’s most seasoned campaigners, bore the brunt of Arya’s aggression—conceding 28 runs in 10 balls to the left-hander and finishing with 4-0-48-2, his third-most expensive spell in IPL history.
Shashank, Jansen Pile on the Pain for CSK
Even after Arya’s explosive exit, PBKS showed no signs of slowing down. Shashank Singh and Marco Jansen took charge, stitching together an unbeaten 65-run stand off just 38 deliveries for the seventh wicket, propelling PBKS to a daunting total.
Shashank set the tone early in the partnership, launching Noor Ahmad for a slog-swept six over wide long-on before lifting a carrom ball from R Ashwin straight down the ground for another maximum. Jansen added flair of his own, smashing a no-look six off Pathirana in the 18th over to cap off a powerful finish. Their calculated aggression ensured PBKS maintained momentum and posted a score well above par.
CSK Fade Yet Again in a High-Pressure Chase
CSK began their pursuit of 220 with intent, as New Zealand duo Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra peppered the boundaries with ten fours during the powerplay. However, the sixes dried up, with the first one coming only in the 10th over when Shivam Dube muscled Lockie Ferguson over midwicket.
The momentum shifted soon after. Glenn Maxwell broke the opening partnership by having Ravindra stumped for a brisk 36 off 23 balls. The very next over, Ferguson struck again, dismissing Ruturaj Gaikwad for just 1 as the CSK innings began to unravel.
In a tactical move, CSK promoted their designated spin-hitter Shivam Dube to No. 4. However, PBKS smartly countered by withholding their main spinner, Yuzvendra Chahal, until Dube was back in the hut at the end of the 16th over. Once MS Dhoni entered in the 17th, Chahal was brought in, tightening the screws further. The veteran leggie bowled just one over, conceding nine runs, but by then, the required rate had soared to nearly 20 an over.
Conway, who had anchored the innings, opted to retire out in the 18th over after scoring 69 off 49 balls. Dhoni did manage to clear the ropes thrice, but the target remained out of reach. When he miscued a full-toss from PBKS’ Impact Player Yash Thakur to short fine leg, it was effectively game over for CSK—who slumped to their third loss of the season and extended their dismal run in 180-plus chases.
Read More: IPL 2025: GT vs RR – Preview, Prediction, Starting XI and Where To Watch The Match LIVE
FAQs
Who is Priyansh Arya and what record did he break in IPL 2025?
Priyansh Arya is a young Indian batter who smashed a 39-ball century for PBKS, the fastest by an uncapped Indian and joint fourth-fastest overall in IPL history.
How did Priyansh Arya capitalize on CSK’s dropped catches?
Arya was dropped twice—on 6 and 35—and made CSK pay with a stunning 103 off 42 balls, including a 19-ball fifty and a 39-ball hundred.
What role did Shashank Singh and Marco Jansen play in PBKS’ big total?
Shashank Singh (52*) and Marco Jansen (34*) stitched an unbeaten 65-run stand, maintaining the momentum after Arya’s dismissal to post a daunting score.
Why did CSK fail to chase down the target against PBKS?
Despite a strong powerplay, CSK’s middle-order faltered again. Devon Conway retired out on 69, and even late fireworks from MS Dhoni weren’t enough as PBKS controlled the death overs.
How poor is CSK’s record chasing big targets in recent IPL seasons?
CSK have now failed to chase a 180+ target in their last 11 attempts, a streak that stretches all the way back to IPL 2020.
