Table of Contents
Introduction
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been a stage for spectacular batting performances, with players pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in T20 cricket. While sixes often steal the limelight, fours remain an integral part of building big totals, showcasing the skill and precision of batsmen. The ability to find gaps and hit boundaries consistently is a hallmark of some of the greatest IPL innings. In this article, we take a look at the record for the most fours in an IPL innings, highlighting players who have dominated the field with their boundary-hitting prowess.
Players with the Most Fours in an IPL Innings
1. AB de Villiers – 19 Fours (2015)
Topping the list is none other than AB de Villiers, the South African legend, who smashed a record 19 fours in his unforgettable knock of 133 runs off just 59 balls. Playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), de Villiers displayed his full range of shots against Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium on May 10, 2015. His strike rate of 225.42 was indicative of his dominance, with de Villiers consistently finding gaps in the field to rack up fours in a truly extraordinary performance.
2. Paul Valthaty – 19 Fours (2011)
In IPL 2011, Paul Valthaty of Punjab Kings (PBKS) also hit an impressive 19 fours during his knock of 120 runs off 63 balls against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the IS Bindra Stadium on April 13, 2011. Valthaty’s innings remains one of the standout performances in IPL history, with his boundary-filled knock helping PBKS to a commanding win.
3. Yashasvi Jaiswal – 16 Fours (2023)
Young Yashasvi Jaiswal made headlines during the IPL 2023 season by smashing 16 fours in his magnificent innings of 124 runs off 62 balls against Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium on April 30, 2023. Jaiswal’s aggressive batting and ability to consistently find the boundary earned him accolades as one of the rising stars of Indian cricket.
4. Ajinkya Rahane – 16 Fours (2012)
Ajinkya Rahane, known for his classical style of batting, played a remarkable innings in IPL 2012, where he struck 16 fours in a knock of 98 runs off 66 balls for Rajasthan Royals (RR) against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on April 6, 2012, at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium. Rahane’s innings was a masterclass in timing and placement, with his boundary-hitting ability making the difference for his team.
5. Michael Lumb – 16 Fours (2010)
In IPL 2010, Michael Lumb of Rajasthan Royals (RR) cracked 16 fours in his 83-run knock off 43 balls against Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on April 7, 2010. Lumb’s aggressive intent right from the start put RR in a strong position, and his innings remains one of the finest in terms of boundary-hitting.
Other Notable Performances
6. Rishabh Pant – 15 Fours (2018)
Rishabh Pant, one of India’s most explosive young batsmen, hit 15 fours in his blistering knock of 128 runs off 63 balls for Delhi Capitals (DC) against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on May 10, 2018, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Pant’s ability to hit fours all around the ground made this one of the most memorable innings of IPL 2018.
7. Shreyas Iyer – 15 Fours (2017)
Shreyas Iyer hit 15 fours in his innings of 96 runs off 57 balls for Delhi Capitals (DC) against Gujarat Lions (GL) at Green Park on May 10, 2017. His knock was instrumental in guiding DC to a competitive total, with his boundary-hitting ability standing out.
8. Glenn Maxwell – 15 Fours (2014)
Known for his aggressive style, Glenn Maxwell smashed 15 fours in his 95-run knock off just 43 balls for Punjab Kings (PBKS) against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on April 18, 2014, at Zayed Cricket Stadium. Maxwell’s quickfire innings featured a barrage of boundaries, making it one of the standout performances of the season.
9. Quinton de Kock – 15 Fours (2016)
Quinton de Kock scored a sensational 108 runs off 51 balls for Delhi Capitals (DC) against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on April 17, 2016, at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. De Kock’s knock included 15 fours, showcasing his ability to take on some of the best bowlers in the tournament.
Full List of Top Boundary-Hitters in an IPL Innings
Player | 4s | Runs | SR | Against | Match Date |
Phil Salt KKR | 14 | 89 | 189.36 | LSG | 14 April 2024 |
Yashasvi Jaiswal RR | 16 | 124 | 200 | MI | 30 April 2023 |
Moeen Ali CSK | 13 | 93 | 163.15 | RR | 20 May 2022 |
Suryakumar Yadav MI | 13 | 82 | 205 | SRH | 08 October 2021 |
KL Rahul PBKS | 14 | 132 | 191.3 | RCB | 24 September 2020 |
Jonny Bairstow SRH | 12 | 114 | 203.57 | RCB | 31 March 2019 |
Rishabh Pant DC | 15 | 128 | 203.17 | SRH | 10 May 2018 |
Shreyas Iyer DC | 15 | 96 | 168.42 | GL | 10 May 2017 |
Quinton de Kock DC | 15 | 108 | 211.76 | RCB | 17 April 2016 |
AB de Villiers RCB | 19 | 133 | 225.42 | MI | 10 May 2015 |
Glenn Maxwell PBKS | 15 | 95 | 220.93 | CSK | 18 April 2014 |
Dinesh Karthik MI | 14 | 86 | 179.17 | DC | 09 April 2013 |
Ajinkya Rahane RR | 16 | 98 | 148.48 | PBKS | 06 April 2012 |
Paul Valthaty PBKS | 19 | 120 | 190.48 | CSK | 13 April 2011 |
Michael Lumb RR | 16 | 83 | 193.02 | PBKS | 07 April 2010 |
Graeme Smith RR | 12 | 77 | 175 | PBKS | 05 May 2009 |
Kumar Sangakkara PBKS | 13 | 94 | 167.86 | MI | 25 April 2008 |
Conclusion
The IPL has witnessed some breathtaking innings where players have dominated with fours, finding gaps in the field and pushing bowlers to the limit. From AB de Villiers’ record-breaking 19 fours to Yashasvi Jaiswal’s recent boundary-filled performance in 2023, these players have shown why hitting fours remains an art in T20 cricket. The ability to hit fours not only accelerates the innings but also builds pressure on the opposition, making these innings some of the most memorable in IPL history.
As the IPL continues to evolve, records will be broken, and new boundary-hitters will emerge. Fans can’t wait to see who will top the list in the coming seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who holds the record for most fours in an IPL innings?
AB de Villiers holds the record for hitting the most fours in an IPL innings, with 19 fours against Mumbai Indians (MI) in 2015.
How many fours did Yashasvi Jaiswal hit in his highest-scoring IPL innings?
Yashasvi Jaiswal hit 16 fours in his innings of 124 runs against Mumbai Indians (MI) in IPL 2023.
Which player hit the most fours in IPL 2024?
Phil Salt hit the most fours in IPL 2024, with 14 fours in a single innings against LSG.