Published By: Sayan Guha

On This Day (Feb. 17): Celebrating AB de Villiers' Birthday- A Dive into Mr. 360's Top 5 Explosive IPL Innings!

Whether rescuing his team from trouble or entertaining fans with outrageous shots, ABD left an everlasting imprint on the IPL

Cricket is a game of moments, and few provide them like multitalented AB de Villiers. From energetic scoops to exquisite finishes, Mr. 360 made the impossible seem effortless. As he turns 41 today, let’s reflect on some of his standout Indian Premier League (IPL) performances.

With 5,162 runs in 170 IPL innings and a strike rate of 151.69, de Villiers was more than merely a batter—he was a spectacle. His 14-year IPL career included match-winning contributions that established him as one of T20 cricket’s most formidable batters. Here are five of his most memorable IPL innings that captivated the cricketing world.

79* off 47 vs Gujarat Lions (IPL 2016)

A knockout match, a low score, and an early collapse put Royal Challengers Bangaluru in serious trouble at 29/5 while chasing 159 in the first IPL qualifier of 2016. Enter AB de Villiers, who stood tall like a gladiator in a coliseum.

He built the innings with Stuart Binny, then shifted gears when the target was reduced to 91 off 62 balls. With a display of masterful hitting—5 fours and 5 sixes—de Villiers snatched victory from the Gujarat Lions. His unbeaten 79 from 47 secured RCB’s place in the final and illustrated why he was the ultimate match-winner.

129* off 52 vs Gujarat Lions (IPL 2016)

The 2016 season was characterised not only by de Villiers’ calmness under pressure but also by his total domination of bowlers. In a league match against the same opponent, he delivered what is widely considered his finest IPL innings.


Coming in at 19/1, ABD teamed up with Virat Kohli to present a batting masterclass. They formed a record-breaking 229-run partnership, with de Villiers inflicting most of the damage. With ten fours and twelve sixes, he amassed an unbeaten 129 off 52 balls, propelling RCB to 248/3. The outcome? Gujarat Lions were comprehensively beaten for 144 runs.

75* off 42 vs Delhi Capitals (IPL 2021)

The 2021 season showcased a classic vintage of AB de Villiers, with his 75 off 42 against the Delhi Capitals being particularly impressive. RCB found themselves in a spot of bother at 60/3 when he first took to the crease. He and Rajat Patidar steadied the innings before launching an all-out assault in the closing overs.

With three fours and five sixes, ABD propelled RCB to a solid 171/5. The Delhi Capitals came tantalisingly close but fell short by just one run, thanks to de Villiers’ late flourish.

133* off 59 vs Mumbai Indians (IPL 2015)

One of the most excellent Twenty20 innings ever played, De Villiers wreaked havoc on a star-studded Mumbai Indians attack at Wankhede Stadium. He scored an unbeaten 133 off just 59 balls, including 19 fours and four sixes.

His astonishing stroke play propelled RCB to 235/1, establishing a then-record 215-run partnership with Kohli. Mumbai had no answer to his brilliance, losing by 39 runs.

55* off 22 vs Rajasthan Royals (IPL 2020)

A challenging chase, a faltering top order, and an ever-increasing required run rate—this was simply another opportunity for de Villiers to showcase what he does best.

When he came to the crease, RCB required 76 runs from 41 balls. What was the task? Most would deem it impossible, but Mr. 360 did not. He launched an assault with six enormous sixes and a four, amassing 55 runs off just 22 balls. Finishing unscathed, he guided RCB home with two balls to spare.