So, let’s take a trip down memory lane and relive the greatest batting performances in IPL history—the kind that made us believe in magic and left bowlers scratching their heads.
1. Chris Gayle’s 175 (66) – The ‘Universe Boss’ Show (2013)*
If batting was an art, Chris Gayle would be Picasso. On April 23, 2013, Gayle decided to play on “Easy Mode” against Pune Warriors India, smashing an unbelievable 175* off just 66 balls.
- 17 sixes and 13 fours – that’s destruction on another level!
- Fastest century in IPL history – just 30 balls.
- RCB posted a monstrous 263/5, the highest IPL total at the time.
The best part? Poor bowlers didn’t know where to bowl. Yorkers were flicked for six, bouncers disappeared into the stands, and good-length deliveries were treated with utter disrespect. Honestly, if cricket had a “rage quit” button, Pune’s bowlers would’ve pressed it.
2. Brendon McCullum’s 158 (73) – The Knock That Started It All (2008)*
Remember IPL’s first-ever match? April 18, 2008. KKR vs RCB. A young, fearless Brendon McCullum walked in, took his guard, and rewrote history.
- 158* off 73 balls, with 13 sixes and 10 fours.
- First-ever IPL century – and what a way to do it!
- Set the tone for IPL’s fearless batting culture.
The RCB bowlers looked like they were bowling to a guy with cheat codes. McCullum’s innings wasn’t just a knock; it was a declaration—the IPL had arrived, and it was here to change cricket forever.
3. AB de Villiers 129 (52) – Mr. 360’s Masterclass (2016)*
AB de Villiers isn’t human. He’s a run-scoring machine disguised as a cricketer. And in 2016, against Gujarat Lions, he unleashed his full powers.
- 129* off just 52 balls.
- 12 sixes, 10 fours – effortless, elegant destruction.
- A 229-run partnership with Virat Kohli (who also scored 109).
The way ABD played that night? It was like watching a video game character on “God Mode.” He reverse-swept fast bowlers for six, played helicopter shots, and smacked balls into orbits unknown to mankind.
4. David Warner’s 126 (59) – The Lone Warrior (2017)
When David Warner gets going, he’s like a runaway train—fast, aggressive, and impossible to stop. His 126 off 59 balls against KKR in 2017 was peak Warner.
- Hits from ball one – no settling in, just destruction.
- 8 sixes, 10 fours – a captain’s knock at its finest.
- Led SRH to a strong 209/3.
This wasn’t just power-hitting; it was calculated aggression. Warner played proper cricketing shots but with the power of a bodybuilder.
5. Suresh Raina’s 87 (25) – The Fastest 87 You’ll Ever See (2014)
Most people take 25 balls to get their eye in. Suresh Raina? He used them to destroy Punjab in the 2014 IPL playoffs.
- 87 off just 25 balls – pure carnage!
- 12 fours, 6 sixes – all in the powerplay.
- CSK chased a mammoth 227, falling just short, but Raina’s blitz was unforgettable.
Raina played like a man on a mission, and for 30 minutes, he was unstoppable. If you blinked, you missed a boundary. It was like watching an action movie – no time for pauses!
Honorable Mentions
Some innings deserve a shoutout even if they didn’t make the top 5:
- Virat Kohli’s 113 (50) vs KXIP (2016) – A captain’s knock with stitches on his hand!
- Shane Watson’s 117 (57) vs SRH (2018 final)* – Won CSK the title in style.
- Andre Russell’s 88 (36) vs CSK (2018) – A ‘muscle-show’ that left Dhoni stunned.
FAQs – Your Burning Questions Answered!
1. What is the highest individual score in IPL history?
Chris Gayle’s 175 (66) in 2013* holds the record. No one has come close to breaking it yet.
2. Who has the most centuries in IPL?
As of now, Virat Kohli leads the century charts, proving why he’s a modern-day great.
3. Has anyone scored a double century in IPL?
Nope! The highest remains 175 by Gayle*, but who knows? Maybe someday!
Final Thoughts – What’s Your Favorite Knock?
Cricket isn’t just about numbers; it’s about moments. The six that landed on the road, the four that threaded the gap perfectly, the innings that made us believe anything was possible.
Which IPL knock gave you goosebumps? Drop your favorites in the comments and let’s relive those magical moments together!
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