Punjab Kings’ Arya Hits Century, Defies Doubts in IPL Clash

MOHALI, India — Punjab Kings (PBKS) opener Arya showcased his fearless batting style with a brilliant century against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL on April 12, 2025. After facing criticism for a golden duck in his previous match, Arya responded with an explosive 102 runs off just 43 balls, helping his team secure a thrilling victory.

Arya’s aggressive approach has become his trademark. Without hesitation, he struck the first ball he faced from Khaleel Ahmed for a massive six over deep point. “Getting out on a zero is not a big deal, it’s a part of the game,” Arya said in a post-match press interaction. “The next day, I can score a century,” he added confidently.

Despite being dropped on his second ball of the innings, Arya continued to trust his instincts and played aggressively, leading to a Player-of-the-Match honor. His coach, Ricky Ponting, reassured him after his previous dismissal, encouraging Arya to remain aggressive with his batting. “I spoke to Ricky sir, and he told me that if I get the same ball in the next match, I should hit it out of the ground,” Arya recounted.

Arya demonstrated cricketing intelligence during his innings, particularly when facing Ashwin, a veteran spinner. Observing Ashwin’s tactics, Arya adapted his strategy effectively, slog-sweeping a delivery to the boundary and later depositing another over long-off. His current strike rate of 210.66 is one of the highest in the tournament, currently with 11 sixes, second only to his captain.

At just 24 years old, Arya has experienced his share of challenges. After making his T20 debut in 2021, he struggled to maintain a spot in the lineup, often facing non-selection from IPL teams. “When I went to the trials and I didn’t get selected, it never affected me much,” Arya reflected. His breakthrough came during the 2024 Delhi Premier League, showcasing his potential and earning him a spot in the IPL.

Despite the ups and downs, Arya emphasizes the importance of mental preparation in coping with pressure. “Everyone has the same level of preparation, but the mindset is very important,” he explained. His childhood coach, Sanjay Bharadwaj, has played a substantial role in refining Arya’s technique, particularly focusing on crucial batting shots for the IPL.

Arya’s bold playing style is not without risks, but with his maturity and the encouragement of his coaches and teammates, he is looking to leave a lasting impact on the league. He has set a challenging benchmark for himself moving forward — consistency in performance while maintaining his aggressive approach.