The greatest IPL centuries that changed the game – a look back before the 2025 season
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been a platform for extraordinary performances. Some innings alter the course of a match, while others become entrenched in cricketing folklore. Over the years, batters have delivered breathtaking centuries, leaving fans in awe and bowlers at a loss. These moments have shaped the tournament's legacy, from record-breaking knocks to last-ball thrillers. As IPL 2025 approaches, let us revisit six iconic centuries—innings that were not merely about runs but about rewriting history.
When Chris Gayle is in the mood, records tumble. On 23 April 2013, the Universe Boss delivered an innings of pure carnage. Playing against Pune Warriors India, Gayle blasted a 30-ball century—the fastest in IPL history. He did not stop there, finishing an unbeaten 175* with 13 fours and an astonishing 17 sixes. The crowd at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium witnessed history as RCB posted a staggering 263/5, securing a 130-run victory. To this day, no batter has come close to replicating that extraordinary innings.
"If it's in the arc, it's out of the park." That was David Miller's mantra when he single-handedly dismantled Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2013. Chasing 191 for victory, the Punjab Kings struggled until Miller arrived. What ensued was an exhibition of clean hitting. With eight boundaries and seven sixes, Miller dashed to a 38-ball century—one of the fastest in IPL history. His breathtaking strike rate of 265.78 ensured Punjab chased down the target with two overs to spare. It was an inning that earned him the nickname "Killer." Miller."
It was a night of devastation at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. Virat Kohli, already in astonishing form during the 2016 season, delivered another masterpiece against Gujarat Lions on 14 May. He hit eight sixes and five boundaries and played at an electrifying strike rate of 198.18. His ferocious assault and AB de Villiers' brilliance at the other end propelled Royal Challengers Bangalore to a mammoth 248/3. Kohli's century was all class and aggression, setting the stage for a 144-run annihilation of the Lions.
In the exact match, AB de Villiers took the Gujarat Lions bowlers to the cleaners with one of the most devastating innings in IPL history. Nicknamed "Mr. 360," the South African maestro toyed with the field, smashing 10 boundaries and 12 sixes. His staggering strike rate of 248.08 left fans speechless. His partnership with Kohli soared to 229 runs—the highest-ever second-wicket stand in IPL history.
Jonny Bairstow has always been a formidable batter, but his performance against KKR in 2024 was extraordinary. Chasing an almost unimaginable 262 at Eden Gardens, Bairstow kept Punjab Kings in contention with a spectacular 108 off just 48 balls. His century arrived in only 45 deliveries, showcasing his immense power—eight boundaries and nine sixes. With a strike rate of 225.00, he gave PBKS a fighting chance, leading his team to victory with 8 balls to spare.
There are chases, and then there is what Jos Buttler accomplished in IPL 2024. Chasing 224 against the Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens, the Rajasthan Royals required something exceptional. Buttler rose to the occasion, orchestrating one of the greatest heists in IPL history. With nine boundaries and six sixes, his unbeaten 107 at a strike rate of 178.33 anchored Rajasthan's pursuit until the very last ball. It was an inning characterised by calculated aggression, clutch hitting, and unshakeable composure that will be remembered for years.
