IPL 2025: Innings That Puts Him Among the Greats- Mark Boucher on Priyansh Arya’s Century Against CSK

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Priyansh Arya: Mark Boucher, former South African wicketkeeper and current JioStar expert, was full of admiration for Priyansh Arya's phenomenal century against Chennai Super Kings, calling it one of the standout performances of the season.

Appearing on Kuhl Fans Match Centre Live on JioHotstar, Boucher was quick to highlight the magnitude of Arya's effort in such a high-pressure setting. "This is the biggest stage, and this is where you want to perform. I almost got the feeling that he woke up that morning and said, I'm going to score a hundred off 40 balls today, no matter what," said Boucher.

The Punjab Kings opener smashed 103 off just 42 balls, including seven fours and nine sixes, propelling his side to a mammoth 219/6. His century came in just 39 deliveries-the joint-fourth fastest in IPL history-and was the highest-ever team total recorded at the PCA New International Cricket Stadium.

Boucher pointed out Arya's composure despite the fall of wickets around him. "What's truly special is what you don't always see in the highlights - that the wickets were constantly falling from the other end. He showed the bravery to stick to his game plan and kept going no matter what. It was a fantastic innings, and he's now up there with some of the greatest for that 100 in 39 balls."

In reply, chasing 220, CSK got off to a solid start with Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra adding 59 in the powerplay. Glenn Maxwell dismissed Ravindra soon after, followed by Lockie Ferguson removing Ruturaj Gaikwad. Shivam Dube and Conway added 89 runs, but Ferguson broke the stand. With 68 needed off 24 balls, Conway was tactically retired out for Jadeja. Dhoni launched a late assault with two sixes off Ferguson and more boundaries off Arshdeep, but Yash Thakur dismissed him on the first ball of the final over. Despite a six from Jadeja, CSK fell short as PBKS won by 18 runs-securing their first home win of the season.