Cricket
The Highest Individual Score Ever Recorded in the IPL
SportsBoom has compiled a list of the highest individual scores and talks about the top 5 players.
Image Credits: Michael Chisholm/Getty Images
Chris Gayle, famously known as the “universe boss,” holds the record for the highest individual score in IPL in a season. He displayed his unparalleled batting prowess by smashing an incredible 175 runs off just 66 balls while representing Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) against Pune Warriors (PW=) during the 2013 season of the IPL. Gayle's innings were nothing short of explosive, as he reached the three-figure mark in just 30 balls, showcasing his dominance and sheer power as a batsman.
In the T20 format, a batsman's century often translates to a significant advantage for their team, increasing the likelihood of winning the match. This trend is prevalent not only in domestic T20 leagues but also in global tournaments like the IPL. While centuries in T20 cricket are relatively rare due to the limited-overs and fast-paced nature of the game, several exceptional cricketers have showcased their prowess with memorable innings.
Below we discuss the top 10 individual IPL innings that have been etched in fans’ memory. These innings, characterized by aggressive stroke play and strategic shot selection, have captivated cricket fans worldwide and highlighted the thrilling nature of the T20 format.
Highest Individual Score in IPL: Top 10 list
| Serial No. | Player | Runs | Balls | Team | Opposition | Match Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chris Gayle | 175* | 66 | RCB | v Warriors | 23 Apr 2013 |
| 2 | Brendon McCullum | 158* | 73 | KKR | v RCB | 18 Apr 2008 |
| 3 | Quinton de Kock | 140* | 70 | LSG | v KKR | 18 May 2022 |
| 4 | AB de Villiers | 133* | 59 | RCB | v MI | 10 May 2015 |
| 5 | KL Rahul | 132* | 69 | KXIP | v RCB | 24 Sep 2020 |
| 6 | AB de Villiers | 129* | 52 | RCB | v Guj Lions | 14 May 2016 |
| 7 | Shubman Gill | 129 | 60 | GT | v MI | 26 May 2023 |
| 8 | Chris Gayle | 128* | 62 | RCB | v Daredevils | 17 May 2012 |
| 9 | Rishabh Pant | 128* | 63 | DD | v SRH | 10 May 2018 |
| 10 | Murali Vijay | 127 | 56 | CSK | v RR | 03 Apr 2010 |
1. Chris Gayle | 175* runs | Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Pune Warriors | IPL 2013
Chris Gayle, holds the record for scoring IPL’s highest individual score in a season. He achieved this feat during a spectacular innings against Pune Warriors while playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 2013 season. Gayle's remarkable knock saw him score a massive 175 runs off just 66 balls, reaching the century mark in a mere 30 balls, showcasing his incredible power and skill as a batsman.
During his unbeaten innings, Gayle smashed 13 boundaries (fours) and an astounding 17 sixes, contributing significantly to Bangalore's total of 263/5. His phenomenal performance not only propelled his team to a formidable score but also played a crucial role in restricting Pune Warriors to 133/9, leading Bangalore to a convincing victory by 130 runs.
Image Credits: Michael Chisholm/Getty Images
2. Brendon McCullum | 158* runs | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore | IPL 2008
Brendon McCullum made a sensational impact in the inaugural season of the IPL when he blazed his way to 158 runs off just 73 balls. These remarkable innings took place during the very first match, with McCullum representing Kolkata Knight Riders against Royal Challengers Bangalore. The former New Zealand captain's innings were characterized by an impressive display of power-hitting, including 10 boundaries (fours) and an incredible 13 sixes.
McCullum's unbeaten knock not only set the stage on fire but also led Kolkata Knight Riders to a resounding victory, winning the match by a massive margin of 140 runs. This performance remains etched in IPL history as one of the most explosive and memorable innings ever witnessed in the league's inaugural season that changed its perception forever.
3. Quinton de Kock | 140* runs | Lucknow Super Giants vs Kolkata Knight Riders | IPL 2022
In the 2022 IPL match between Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders, Quinton de Kock showcased a remarkable performance, scoring an unbeaten 140 runs off just 70 balls. His innings were highlighted by an impressive partnership with KL Rahul, who contributed an unbeaten 68 off 51 deliveries, resulting in an unbeaten 210-run partnership.
During his innings, the South African left-hander struck 10 boundaries (fours) and an equal number of sixes, displaying his prowess as a powerful and aggressive batsman. Their partnership was even more impressive because Lucknow Super Giants did not lose a single wicket throughout the entire innings.
Image Credits: @ICC (X.com)
4. AB de Villiers | 133* runs | Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Mumbai Indians | IPL 2015
During the 2015 IPL match between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore, AB de Villiers delivered a memorable performance, scoring an impressive 133 runs off 59 balls. He partnered with Virat Kohli, who contributed 82 runs off 50 balls, forming a formidable 215-run partnership. Together, they showcased their stylish batting skills, hitting a total of 19 boundaries (fours) and 4 sixes during their innings.
This exceptional batting display played a crucial role in Royal Challengers Bangalore's victory, as they managed to secure a convincing win by 39 runs against Mumbai Indians.
5. KL Rahul | 132* runs | Kings XI Punjab vs Royal Challengers Bangalore
During IPL 2020 held in the UAE, KL Rahul, the skipper of Punjab, delivered a stellar performance by scoring an impressive 132 runs in an innings against the Bangalore team. This remarkable achievement marked the highest individual score by an Indian player in the prestigious league. Rahul's innings was characterized by aggressive stroke play, as he smashed 14 boundaries (fours) and 7 sixes during his unbeaten 69-ball innings.
Punjab posted a challenging total of 206/3 in the first innings, setting a formidable target for the opposition. Their bowlers then performed commendably, bowling out the Bangalore team for just 109 runs. Rahul’s dominant display led Punjab to a resounding 97-run victory as he remains the record holder of the highest individual score in IPL by an Indian.
Image Credits: KL Rahul’s X account
FAQs
The record for most runs scored in an IPL season is held by Virat Kohli, the former captain of the Indian side. In 2016 he managed to go into ”King Kohli“ mode and was virtually unstoppable. In 16 IPL matches in 2016, he amassed 973 runs, a record that stands to this day.
As a member of the Gujarat Lions, Suresh Raina made history by being the first player to hit more than 300 runs in every IPL season.
In the 2018 season, Shane Watson set a record for the highest individual score in an IPL final when he hit an undefeated 117 to assist CSK in winning their third IPL championship.
Rohit Sharma’s highest individual score in IPL is an unbeaten 109 that he managed to score during IPL 2012 against Kolkata Knight Riders.
The highest individual score in PSL was scored by England batsman Jason Roy when he turned up for the PSL franchise Quetta Gladiators as the opener. Facing Peshawar Zalmi, Roy smacked a brilliant unbeaten 145 runs in 63 balls while chasing a steep target of 241 runs.
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An M.A. in English Literature, Subhayan is an experienced journalist and sports writer. Having worked as a journalist at Hindustan Times, Subhayan covered diverse beats including sports, education, and health, showcasing his versatility and in-depth understanding of various subjects.