Most Centuries in IPL History: Players with the Highest Score(100s)

Most Centuries in IPL History: A Record of Remarkable Batsmen

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is known for its fast-paced, explosive games and high-scoring matches. While many cricketers have achieved fifty-run innings in this T20 format, scoring a hundred in an IPL match is a rare and noteworthy feat. It requires not only skill but also an aggressive mindset from the get-go. Batters need to adapt quickly and face a relentless barrage of fast balls, all while keeping their eyes on the scoreboard.

Fastest 50 in IPL History

In this blog, we’ll delve into the cricketers who have scored the most centuries in IPL history. These players have delivered extraordinary performances that have left an indelible mark on the tournament, earning them a place among the IPL’s elite.

Players with the Most Centuries in IPL

1. Virat Kohli – 8 Centuries

At the top of the list is the prolific run-scorer, Virat Kohli. With 8 centuries to his name, Kohli has made a habit of dominating the IPL. In IPL 2023, Kohli notched two consecutive centuries and added another one in IPL 2024, solidifying his position as the player with the highest score in IPL history. His ability to build long innings and finish games is unmatched. Kohli’s highest score in IPL is 113*.

2. Chris Gayle – 6 Centuries

Known for his towering sixes and explosive starts, Chris Gayle holds the second spot with 6 centuries. The “Universe Boss” is famous for his ability to change the course of a game in just a few overs. Gayle also holds the record for the highest individual score in IPL history—a monstrous 175* off 66 balls. Gayle’s powerful batting style makes him one of the most dangerous players in T20 cricket.

3. Jos Buttler – 5 Centuries

England’s Jos Buttler is a modern-day T20 specialist and holds third place with 5 centuries. He is one of the few players who has managed to score 4 centuries in a single IPL season, a feat he shares with Virat Kohli. Buttler’s highest score in IPL is 124, and he is known for his versatility as a top-order batsman who can accelerate quickly.

Table: List of Players with the Most Centuries in IPL History (2008-2024)

Rank	Player	Mat	Inn	100s	50s	R	HS
1	Virat Kohli	242*	234	8	52	7579	113*
2	Chris Gayle	142	141	6	31	4,965	175*
3	Jos Buttler	96	95	5	19	3,223	124
4	KL Rahul	118	109	4	33	4,163	132*
5	David Warner	176	176	4	61	6,397	126
6	Shane Watson	145	141	4	21	3,874	117*
7	AB de Villiers	184	170	3	40	5,162	133*
8	Shubman Gill	91	88	3	18	2,790	129
9	Sanju Samson	152	148	3	20	3,888	119
10	Hashim Amla	16	16	2	3	577	104*
11	Shikhar Dhawan	217	216	2	50	6,617	106*
12	Quinton de Kock	96	96	2	20	2,907	140*
13	Ajinkya Rahane	172	159	2	30	4,400	105*
14	Brendon McCullum	109	109	2	13	2,880	158*
15	Virender Sehwag	104	104	2	16	2,728	122
16	Adam Gilchrist	80	80	2	11	2,069	109*
17	Murali Vijay	106	106	2	13	2,619	127
18	Ben Stokes	45	44	2	2	935	107*

Centuries and Their Impact in IPL

Why Scoring a Century in IPL is a Huge Achievement

Scoring a century in the IPL is a monumental task. With only 20 overs to bat and the pressure to maintain a high strike rate, batsmen have limited opportunities to settle in. The key to scoring a hundred in the IPL is to find a balance between aggression and patience. Players like Virat Kohli and Jos Buttler are experts at this. They start cautiously and accelerate once they’ve found their rhythm. This controlled aggression is what sets century-makers apart from those who only manage fifties.

Types of out in cricket

Highest Scores in IPL History

Some players not only score hundreds but also push their teams to record-breaking totals. Chris Gayle’s 175* is the perfect example of how an individual century can elevate a team to an extraordinary score. Gayle’s innings still holds the record for the highest individual score in IPL, and it remains one of the most memorable moments in the tournament’s history.

Fastest Centuries in IPL

The speed at which players score their centuries also plays a significant role in how impactful their innings are. Here are some key statistics:

• Fastest Century: Chris Gayle scored the fastest century in IPL history, reaching the 100-run mark in just 30 balls.
• Slowest Century: Jos Buttler and Manish Pandey hold the record for the slowest centuries in IPL, both taking 67 balls to reach their hundreds.

Both styles of scoring—fast or slow—can be equally effective, depending on the match situation. Players adapt their pace according to the opposition’s strengths and weaknesses, making each century a strategic masterclass.

Other Notable Centuries in IPL

Apart from the top century-scorers like Kohli, Gayle, and Buttler, several other players have made their mark with centuries:

• KL Rahul: Known for his consistency at the top of the order, KL Rahul has 4 IPL centuries to his name, with a highest score of 132*.
• David Warner: Another top performer, David Warner has also scored 4 IPL centuries, proving his ability to anchor the innings.
• Shane Watson: A true all-rounder, Watson has scored 4 centuries in IPL, with his highest being 117*.

Each of these players has contributed significantly to their team’s success, often single-handedly changing the course of the game with their outstanding performances.

The Evolution of Centuries in IPL

Since the inception of the IPL in 2008, the format of the game has continuously evolved. In the early years, a score of 150-160 was considered competitive. However, as the game evolved and players began adapting to the aggressive T20 format, team scores began to rise. With this, individual performances also saw a significant improvement, leading to more centuries being scored.

From Brendon McCullum’s 158* in the very first IPL match to Virat Kohli’s record-breaking 8th century, the bar for excellence keeps getting higher.

Conclusion

Scoring a century in the IPL is an extraordinary achievement that highlights a player’s skill, mental strength, and ability to perform under pressure. Players like Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle, and Jos Buttler have set the standard for excellence in the tournament, with their names etched in the record books. As the IPL continues to grow, we can expect even more incredible centuries and individual performances.

Whether it’s the highest score in IPL or a match-winning century, these moments remind us why the IPL is one of the most exciting cricket leagues in the world.