When a batsman steps onto the field, their ultimate aim is to deliver smashing performances for their team, with hitting centuries being among the highest achievements. However, in the fast-paced world of T20 cricket, achieving this milestone is a rare feat. The Indian Premier League (IPL), being the most prestigious T20 league globally, has witnessed only a handful of players reaching this pinnacle. In this article by Cricket Gyan, we delve into the stellar performances of the six players who have etched their names as the top centurions in the IPL.
Leading the pack is the eminent Indian batsman, Virat Kohli, who boasts a record-breaking seven centuries in IPL history. Kohli’s dominance was evident in Match 70 of IPL 2023, where he surpassed Chris Gayle’s record by notching up his eighth century with an exquisite knock of 101* off 61 balls. Across 229 innings, Kohli has amassed 7263 runs at an average of 37.24, complemented by 50 half-centuries.
Chris Gayle, a legendary figure in T20 cricket, stands tall with six centuries to his name in the IPL. Gayle’s prowess was on full display during the 2011 IPL, where he blasted his first century with a scintillating 102 off 55 balls, adorned with 10 fours and 7 sixes. His final century came in the 2018 IPL, showcasing his enduring impact despite changing teams.
England’s Jos Buttler made waves in the previous season with his explosive batting, almost threatening Kohli’s single-season run record. Buttler’s four centuries and as many half-centuries propelled him to 863 runs in 17 innings at an impressive average of 57.53 and a strike rate of 149.05, earning him a shared second spot with Kohli in IPL’s century tally.
KL Rahul, alongside Australians David Warner and Shane Watson, holds the third spot with four centuries each in IPL history. Rahul’s recent exploits saw him adding two more centuries to his tally in the latest edition, amassing a total of 616 runs in 15 innings with an average of 51.33 and a strike rate of 135.38.
David Warner, renowned for his consistency, has notched up four centuries so far in the IPL. Warner’s century spree began in 2010 while playing for Delhi, and his impactful performances continued, notably in 2019 when he and Jonny Bairstow both struck centuries in a single game against the Royals.
Shane Watson, another Australian stalwart, has been a force to reckon with, tallying four centuries in the IPL. His memorable innings, including a scorching 117 off 57 balls in the first season, have left an indelible mark on the league’s history.
With these stalwarts leading the charge, the IPL continues to witness remarkable displays of batting brilliance, setting new standards for excellence in T20 cricket.
Player | Innings | Runs | Average | Centuries
Virat Kohli | 229 | 7263 | 37.24 | 7
Chris Gayle | 141 | 4965 | 39.72 | 6
Jos Buttler | 94 | 3223 | 38.36 | 5
KL Rahul | 109 | 4163 | 46.77 | 4
David Warner | 176 | 6397 | 41.53 | 4
Shane Watson | 141 | 3874 | 30.99 | 4
