On May 28, 2008, Shaun Marsh delivered a masterclass in batting at a packed stadium in Mohali, leading Kings XI Punjab to a commanding victory over Rajasthan Royals (RR)
In the IPL, uncapped players—those yet to play internationally—have occasionally stunned the cricketing world by scoring centuries. These remarkable feats spotlight their immense talent and potential, turning them into overnight sensations and strong contenders for national selection. Such performances enrich the IPL's competitive spirit and demonstrate the league's role in unearthing future cricket stars.
Some uncapped players have made a century in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Shaun Marsh, 2008
On May 28, 2008, Shaun Marsh delivered a masterclass in batting at a packed stadium in Mohali, leading Kings XI Punjab to a commanding victory over Rajasthan Royals (RR). RR chose to field first, hoping to exploit early bowling conditions. However, Marsh, opening for Punjab, dismantled the Royals' attack with a stunning 115 off 69 balls, featuring 11 fours and seven sixes. His superb performance helped Punjab set a daunting total of 221 runs. Chasing 222, RR struggled under pressure and managed only 180 runs, falling short by 41. Punjab's disciplined bowling and Marsh's brilliant century ensured a memorable win.
Manish Pandey displays his batting prowess as he elegantly powers the ball through the off side
Manish Pandey, 2011
In the second edition of the IPL, held in South Africa in 2009, Pandey became the first Indian to score a century in the tournament. This achievement came in a crucial group stage match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Deccan Chargers (DC) at Centurion, a must-win for RCB to qualify for the semi-finals. His explosive 73-ball 114 included ten boundaries and four sixes, with a significant portion of his runs (68) coming from the leg side. Pandey's stellar performance was instrumental in RCB setting a competitive total of 170 runs. His strike rate of 156.16 underscored the dominance of his innings. RCB won the match by 12 runs, securing their spot in the semi-finals.
Paul Valthaty, 2011
Paul Valthaty's meteoric rise in the IPL came through a sensational performance for Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) against the mighty Chennai Super Kings in 2011. With a breathtaking 63-ball 120, Valthaty secured a match-winning victory and etched his name in cricketing lore. Despite the early dismissals of key players like Adam Gilchrist and Shaun Marsh, Valthaty's composed yet aggressive batting style ensured KXIP stayed on course for victory. His innings, studded with 19 fours and two sixes, showcased his ability to dominate quality bowling attacks, including Tim Southee, Albie Morkel, and Ravichandran Ashwin.
Davdutt Padikal, 2021
Devdutt Padikkal's phenomenal century he propelled the RCB to a 10-wicket victory over the RR in IPL 2021, securing their fourth consecutive win in the tournament. Padikkal's sublime innings, comprising 101 not out off just 52 balls, showcased his exceptional batting prowess and helped RCB effortlessly chase down Rajasthan's total of 177. Padikkal's innings were a masterclass in strokeplay, as he effortlessly found gaps and cleared boundaries with 11 fours and six sixes at a staggering strike rate of 194.23. His fifty came off just 27 balls, and he continued to dominate the bowling attack until reaching his well-deserved century in the 17th over, igniting celebrations both on and off the field.
Rajat Patidar, 2023
Rajat Patidar, brought in mid-season as an injury replacement last year, played a sensational innings, scoring an unbeaten 112 off 54 balls. His innings included 12 boundaries and seven sixes at a strike rate of 207.40. After being dropped in the 16th over, Patidar added 40 runs off 14 balls, partnering with Dinesh Karthik to put on 92 runs in the last 6.5 overs. In the crucial 16th over, Patidar accelerated with a 27-run over off Bishnoi, establishing RCB's dominance. Patidar's masterclass with the bat and RCB's disciplined bowling in crucial phases led to a comprehensive 14-run victory.
