In the land of towering sixes and dramatic run chases, scoring a century in the Indian Premier League (IPL) is more than just a milestone—it’s a statement. In a tournament packed with power hitters and global superstars, reaching the three-figure mark is a rare feat, often turning the tide of matches and becoming part of cricketing folklore.
Over the years, we’ve seen some truly jaw-dropping innings. From Virat Kohli’s explosive seasons to Jos Buttler’s elegant destruction, the IPL has witnessed performances that leave fans speechless and bowlers helpless. This blog celebrates the best century makers in IPL history, diving into their memorable knocks and what sets them apart.
Why Centuries Matter in the IPL
The IPL is a Twenty20 format—a game of just 120 balls per innings. That means scoring 100 runs individually isn’t just impressive—it’s extraordinary. A century in this format is usually:
- A match-winning performance
- Achieved with a higher strike rate
- Involves clever shot selection and brutal hitting
Century-makers don’t just anchor innings—they accelerate and redefine them.
Virat Kohli – The Record Breaker
When we talk about consistency and brilliance in the IPL, one name always shines—Virat Kohli. The former RCB captain holds the record for the highest IPL centuries of all time, with a staggering 7 centuries under his belt.
Kohli’s most remarkable season came in 2016, when he scored four centuries in a single edition—a feat no other player has achieved so far. His centuries aren’t just about runs—they’re about timing, leadership, and lifting his entire team’s performance.
Notable Kohli Centuries:
- Gujarat Lions (2016): 109 off 55 balls
- Rising Pune Supergiants (2016): 108* off 58 balls
- Delhi Capitals (2023): 100* off 63 balls
- Rajasthan Royals (2024): 113 off 72 balls
Kohli doesn’t just score hundreds—he does it with classic cover drives, clinical pulls, and almost no risk.
Jos Buttler – The Modern Maestro
Jos Buttler has redefined T20 batting with his explosive approach at the top of the order. In the 2022 IPL season, Buttler smashed 4 centuries, equaling Kohli’s single-season record. With a mix of raw power and precision placement, Buttler is among the IPL top century scorers in recent years.
Representing the Rajasthan Royals, Buttler’s dominance in the Powerplay overs and ability to accelerate late in the innings has made him one of the most feared batsmen in the league.
Unforgettable Buttler Moments:
- Mumbai Indians (2022): 100 off 68 balls
- Royal Challengers Bangalore (2022): 106* off 60 balls (Qualifier)
- Kolkata Knight Riders (2022): 103 off 61 balls
- Kolkata Knight Riders (2024): 107 off 60 balls
When Buttler gets going, bowlers run out of ideas.
Chris Gayle – The Universe Boss
You can’t talk about centuries in the IPL without mentioning Chris Gayle, the original entertainer and power-hitting genius. Gayle holds the record for the highest individual score in IPL history—a mind-blowing 175 off 66 balls* in 2013.
His six IPL centuries came with thunderous sixes, incredible bat speed, and a fearless approach that made him a crowd favorite.
Gayle’s Impact:
- Most sixes in an IPL innings (17 in one match)
- Career strike rate of 150+ in IPL
- Multiple match-winning hundreds for RCB and Punjab Kings
Gayle’s centuries were not just innings—they were T20 masterclasses.
KL Rahul – The Calm Destroyer
While KL Rahul is often known for his textbook batting style, he’s also been a quiet storm when it comes to scoring big. With 4 centuries in the IPL, Rahul has established himself as one of the most technically sound century scorers in the league.
What sets him apart?
- Smart pacing of his innings
- Ability to shift gears rapidly after settling in
- Shot selection that’s both beautiful and brutal
One of his most celebrated knocks came in 2020, when he scored 132 off 69 balls* for Punjab Kings against RCB.
David Warner – The Aussie Consistency Machine
David Warner has consistently been among the top IPL run scorers. While he doesn’t have as many centuries as Kohli or Buttler, his 4 IPL tons are no less impressive.
Warner’s strength lies in:
- Exploiting field restrictions early
- Rotating strike efficiently
- Building his innings brick by brick before exploding
One of his best knocks was a 126-run effort for Sunrisers Hyderabad, showcasing both power and maturity.
Sanju Samson – The Unpredictable Genius
Sanju Samson is perhaps one of the most naturally gifted Indian batsmen in the IPL. He’s scored multiple centuries and has the flair to dominate bowling attacks when in form.
While his consistency might sometimes be in question, there’s no denying the class and elegance he brings when he goes big.
His 119 off 63 balls against Punjab Kings in 2021 is considered one of the most entertaining IPL hundreds ever played.
Honourable Mentions: Other Century Makers Who’ve Left a Mark
Several players have notched up memorable centuries that deserve recognition:
- AB de Villiers: Destructive and unorthodox, with 3 IPL tons
- Shane Watson: IPL final heroics and 4 centuries
- Shubman Gill: Emerging star with back-to-back centuries in 2023
- Ruturaj Gaikwad: Young opener with clean hitting and a hundred to his name
These players have elevated matches with their solo brilliance and changed outcomes within a few overs.
IPL Centuries in Numbers
Here’s a quick snapshot of the top century-makers:
| Players | Centuries | Highest Score | Strike Rate |
| Virat Kohli | 8 | 113 | 130+ |
| Jos Buttler | 7 | 124 | 150+ |
| Chris Gayle | 6 | 175* | 145+ |
| KL Rahul | 4 | 132* | 135+ |
| David Warner | 4 | 126 | 140+ |
This list reflects the top IPL players with centuries, blending Indian icons and overseas match-winners.
Final Words
The thrill of watching a player raise his bat after reaching 100 runs is unparalleled in T20 cricket. It signifies endurance, aggression, intelligence, and style—all wrapped into one unforgettable performance.
These innings change matches. They change tournaments. They often change careers. And every IPL fan remembers where they were when their favorite player went past that triple-digit mark.
From the calculated aggression of Kohli to the explosive flair of Buttler and the raw power of Gayle, these batsmen are the heart of IPL’s entertainment.
Whether it’s a high-stakes playoff match or a group-stage classic, centuries remain the highlight reels of the tournament.
Where to Watch All Such Centuries Live
To witness such breathtaking knocks in real time, there’s only one platform that delivers consistent, high-quality streaming across the globe—YuppTV. Whether you’re watching from India, the US, Europe, or the Middle East, YuppTV ensures you never miss a moment of magic.
Subscribe today and stream every IPL 2025 match live, in HD, and on your favorite device. From history-making centuries to last-over thrillers, YuppTV brings the stadium to your screen—wherever you are.
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