PC: Ommanorama
The IPL is a tournament where boundaries are a blur and sixes soar high. Within this whirlwind of big-hitting, some batsmen reach the coveted three-figure mark in a blink of an eye. Let’s delve into the top 10 fastest centuries ever scored in the IPL:
- Chris Gayle (Royal Challengers Bangalore) – 30 balls (2013): The “Universe Boss” himself, Chris Gayle, rewrote the record books in 2013. Facing Pune Warriors, he unleashed pure fury, blasting a century in a jaw-dropping 30 balls – the fastest IPL hundred ever recorded. This display of unmatched power-hitting cemented Gayle’s place as a true IPL legend.
- Yusuf Pathan (Rajasthan Royals) – 37 balls (2010 ): Yusuf Pathan inscribed his name in IPL history in 2010 with a breath-taking 37-ball century against Mumbai Indians. The all-rounder’s innings, studded with 9 fours and 8 sixes, was the second-fastest IPL ton at the time, but Rajasthan Royals fell agonizingly short by 4 runs in a high-scoring thriller.
- David Miller (Kings XI Punjab) – 38 balls (2013): David Miller carved his name into IPL history in 2013 with a jaw-dropping 38-ball century against Royal Challengers Bangalore. This knock, the fastest IPL hundred at that time, included a staggering 8 fours and 7 sixes at a mind-boggling strike rate of over 265. His unbeaten knock powered Kings XI Punjab to a remarkable comeback victory from a precarious position.
- Adam Gilchrist (Deccan Chargers) – 42 balls (2008): Adam Gilchrist rewrote the IPL record books in 2008 when he faced off against the Mumbai Indians. The swashbuckling wicket-keeper batsman unleashed mayhem, scoring a phenomenal century in a mere 42 balls. This knock, the fastest IPL hundred at that time, was a masterclass in power-hitting, with Gilchrist launching boundaries and sixes at will.
- AB de Villiers (Royal Challengers Bangalore)- 43 balls (2016): In a 2016 match against the Gujarat Lions, AB de Villiers displayed his otherworldly talent, smashing a century in just 43 balls. This knock, the fifth-fastest IPL hundred at the time, was laced with 10 fours and 12 sixes, showcasing his audacious strokeplay and clean hitting. It played a crucial role in Royal Challengers Bangalore’s record-breaking victory, with de Villiers and Virat Kohli stitching together a mammoth 229-run partnership, the highest in IPL history.
- David Warner (Sunrisers Hyderabad) – 43 balls (2017): David Warner went on a rampage in 2017 against the Kolkata Knight Riders, bludgeoning his way to a century in a mere 43 balls. This knock, the sixth-fastest IPL hundred at the time, was a display of pure power hitting. Warner smashed 7 fours and 8 sixes, propelling Sunrisers Hyderabad to a dominant victory by 48 runs.
- Sanath Jayasuriya (Mumbai Indians) – 45 balls (2008): Sanath Jayasuriya, the explosive Sri Lankan batsman, etched his name in IPL history during the 2008 season with a scintillating century off just 45 balls. His blistering innings showcased his immense power and skill, setting a formidable standard for batsmen in the tournament. Jayasuriya’s fearless approach to batting, coupled with his ability to dominate bowlers, made him a force to be reckoned with in the inaugural edition of the IPL. His century remains one of the standout performances in the league’s history, highlighting his immense impact on the game.
- Mayank Agarwal (Kings XI Punjab) – 45 balls (2020): Mayank Agarwal’s scorching knock against Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2020 is still etched in memory. The opening batsman tore through the bowling attack, scoring a blistering century in just 45 balls – the second-fastest by an Indian in IPL history. His knock was a masterpiece of power-hitting, including 9 fours and 7 sixes, and laid the foundation for a dominant Kings XI Punjab victory.
- Murali Vijay (Chennai Super Kings) – 46 balls (2010): In a display of pure dominance, Murali Vijay unleashed an IPL record-breaking century in 2010 against Rajasthan Royals. His 46-ball ton, the fastest by an Indian at the time, was a brutal assault featuring 8 boundaries and a staggering 11 sixes. This knock propelled Chennai Super Kings to a mammoth total and a comfortable victory.
- Chris Gayle (Royal Challengers Bangalore) – 46 balls (2015): Chris Gayle was unstoppable in 2015, hammering a brutal century against KXIP in just 46 balls. This whirlwind knock, the fourth-fastest in IPL history, included a staggering 12 sixes and 7 fours. Gayle’s power-hitting dominance set the stage for a commanding Royal Challengers Bangalore win.
These are the top 10 fastest centuries in IPL history. Each knock is a testament to the incredible power-hitting and stroke-making skills these batsmen possess. The IPL continues to witness such explosive batting displays, making it a truly thrilling spectacle for cricket fans worldwide.
