THE HERD WITH COLIN COWHERD

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At just 20 years and 202 days old, Shaik Rasheed etched his name into Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) record books as the youngest player to open the batting in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Breaking the previous record held by Sam Curran (22 years and 132 days in 2020), the Andhra-born cricketer made a stunning debut against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at Ekana Stadium on April 14, 2025. Here’s everything you need to know about this rising star who’s capturing the cricket world’s attention.

A Promising Start in IPL 2025

Stepping onto the IPL stage, Shaik Rasheed showed no signs of debut nerves. Facing LSG, he smashed an impressive 27 runs off 19 balls, including six crisp boundaries. His fearless batting helped CSK race past 50 runs in the powerplay—one of only three such instances for the team this season. Replacing Devon Conway in the lineup, Rasheed’s quickfire knock laid a solid foundation while chasing 167, signaling his potential as a game-changer for the five-time champions. With CSK struggling this season, his emergence offers hope for a brighter future.

From Guntur to Glory

Hailing from Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, Shaik Rasheed’s journey to the IPL is a story of grit and talent. Born on September 24, 2004, he honed his skills in domestic cricket, representing Andhra across formats. In 19 First-Class matches, he’s scored 1,204 runs at an average of 37.62, with two centuries and seven fifties. His standout performance came in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy, where he smashed a double century (203 off 372 balls) against Hyderabad, showcasing his patience and class.

Rasheed’s T20 credentials are equally promising. With a century (100 off 54 balls) in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and a strike rate of 127.07, he’s proven his ability to adapt to the fast-paced demands of modern cricket. His domestic success, paired with a knack for big scores, caught the eye of CSK selectors.

Shining on the Global Stage

Rasheed first grabbed headlines as vice-captain of India’s Under-19 team at the 2022 ICC Under-19 World Cup in the West Indies. Despite missing early matches due to COVID-19, he roared back with a match-defining 94 in the semi-final against Australia and a vital 50 off 84 balls in the final against England. His 201 runs in four innings at an average of 50.25 played a key role in India lifting the title, cementing his reputation as a clutch performer.

CSK’s Faith in the Young Star

Chennai Super Kings spotted Rasheed’s potential early, signing him for INR 20 lakh in the IPL 2023 auction. Retained for IPL 2024 and bought again for INR 30 lakh ahead of IPL 2025, he’s been mentored by none other than MS Dhoni and coach Stephen Fleming. Rasheed credits Dhoni’s advice—focusing on the present and understanding his game—for shaping his approach. A highlight from his CSK stint came in 2023 when he took a stunning catch against Punjab Kings, proving his value even off the field.

Overcoming Challenges

Rasheed’s path hasn’t been easy. Growing up, his family faced financial hardships, with his father losing his job twice while supporting his cricketing dreams. The father-son duo often traveled 40 km from Guntur to Mangalagiri for training, a testament to their dedication. Rasheed’s talent shone through, earning him a spot in Andhra’s robust academy system, which provided coaching, education, and support. His resilience and work ethic have carried him from local grounds to the IPL spotlight.

Why Shaik Rasheed Matters for CSK

With CSK languishing near the bottom of the IPL 2025 points table, Rasheed’s debut injects fresh energy into the squad. His technical solidity, aggressive strokeplay, and ability to read the game make him a versatile top-order batter. Under Dhoni’s guidance, he’s poised to grow into a cornerstone for the franchise. Fans are already buzzing about his potential to compete for the IPL Orange Cap in the future.

What’s Next for Shaik Rasheed?

As IPL 2025 unfolds, all eyes will be on Rasheed to build on his debut. With upcoming matches against teams like MI, RCB, and KKR, he has a chance to prove himself against the best. Off the field, he remains grounded, inspired by his idol Virat Kohli and driven to make his parents proud. Whether it’s dominating domestic cricket or lighting up the IPL, Shaik Rasheed is a name to watch.

In an electrifying IPL 2025 showdown on April 8, 2025, Punjab Kings’ (PBKS) latest sensation, Priyansh Arya, lit up the field with a jaw-dropping 39-ball century against Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The 24-year-old left-hander’s explosive knock not only stunned fans but also cemented his name in IPL history as he powered PBKS to a commanding total of 219/6 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur. So, who is this rising cricket star that PBKS shelled out Rs 3.8 crore for? Let’s dive into his story.

Priyansh Arya: A Breakthrough Moment in IPL 2025

Facing off against the five-time IPL champions CSK, Priyansh didn’t just play—he dominated. His maiden IPL ton came in just 39 balls, making it the fastest century by an uncapped Indian batter in the tournament’s history and the second-fastest by any Indian, trailing only Yusuf Pathan’s 37-ball feat. With nine sixes and seven fours, Arya’s 103-run blitz was a masterclass in power-hitting, leaving CSK’s bowlers scrambling. By the time he walked off, dismissed by Noor Ahmad, he’d earned a standing ovation from the Mullanpur crowd and PBKS co-owner Preity Zinta herself.

This wasn’t just a one-off fireworks display—Priyansh’s knock helped PBKS set a daunting target, showcasing his ability to turn games single-handedly. Meanwhile, on the other end, CSK’s legendary MS Dhoni made his own slice of history, becoming the first wicketkeeper in IPL to snag 150 catches. But the day undeniably belonged to Arya.

From Delhi’s Streets to IPL Stardom

Priyansh Arya’s journey to IPL fame is as inspiring as it gets. Hailing from Delhi, this southpaw first caught the cricket world’s eye in the Delhi Premier League, where he earned the nickname “sixer king” for his towering hits. His big break came at the IPL 2025 mega auction in Jeddah last November, where PBKS outbid heavyweights like Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru to snag him for Rs 3.8 crore—over ten times his base price of Rs 30 lakh. That hefty price tag raised eyebrows, but Priyansh has already started proving he’s worth every penny.

Before this IPL heroics, Arya had made waves in domestic cricket. In the 2024-25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), he smashed 325 runs in nine innings, boasting an average of 40.62 and a strike rate of 176.63. A standout moment? His century against Uttar Pradesh, where he took on a fierce bowling attack featuring Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Shivam Mavi, and Piyush Chawla. Clearly, the kid’s got guts.

The Gautam Gambhir Connection

Here’s a fun tidbit: Priyansh shares a special link with cricket icon Gautam Gambhir. Growing up, he idolized Gambhir and often watched him train in the nets. That early inspiration seems to have paid off, as Arya now mirrors the same fearless aggression Gambhir was known for. Plus, he’s tight with Lucknow Super Giants’ star Ayush Badoni, another Delhi talent making waves in the IPL.

A Family of Educators Behind the Star

Behind Priyansh’s rise is a supportive family with a unique twist—both his parents, Pawan Arya and Radha Bala Arya, are government school teachers. Despite their academic roots, they nurtured his cricketing dreams while ensuring he stayed grounded with a solid education. “We wanted him to have a good education, but we never stopped him from chasing cricket,” his father told The Indian Express. That balance has clearly shaped Priyansh into the disciplined yet dynamic player he is today.

IPL Debut and Beyond

Priyansh didn’t waste time making an impression. On his IPL debut against Gujarat Titans earlier in the season, he smashed 47 off 23 balls, giving PBKS a blistering start. Fast forward to the CSK clash, and he’s already rewriting record books. His 39-ball century isn’t just a personal triumph—it’s the fastest ever against CSK in IPL history and the second-quickest for PBKS, only behind David Miller’s 38-ball ton from 2013.

Fans and experts alike are buzzing about Priyansh Arya’s potential. With Punjab Kings backing him over proven international stars like Josh Inglis, it’s clear they see him as a game-changer. And if this CSK demolition is anything to go by, the IPL 2025 season might just be the start of something massive for this Delhi dynamo.

Why Priyansh Arya Is the Name to Watch in IPL 2025

Priyansh Arya’s mix of raw power, cool-headedness, and a knack for big moments has cricket lovers talking. At 24, he’s already showing he can hang with the best, and his Rs 3.8 crore price tag looks like a steal for PBKS. As the IPL 2025 season unfolds, all eyes will be on this uncapped gem to see if he can keep delivering the fireworks. One thing’s for sure—Priyansh Arya is no flash in the pan; he’s a star in the making.