The Indian Premier League (IPL), since its inception in 2008, has become a breeding ground for explosive batting displays. Scoring a century (100 runs) in the T20 format is a significant achievement, demanding exceptional skill and timing. But some batsmen have consistently risen to the challenge, etching their names in the IPL record books. Let’s delve into the elite list of the top 10 batsmen with the most centuries in IPL history.
Top 10 Batsmen with the most centuries in IPL!
10. Hashim Amla (2 Centuries):
The South African maestro, known for his elegant strokeplay, had a short but impactful IPL stint (2016-2017) with Punjab Kings. Despite playing only 16 matches, Amla managed two centuries, with a career-best of 104* showcasing his ability to adapt to the T20 format.
9. AB de Villiers (3 Centuries):
The legendary AB de Villiers, a former IPL stalwart, was a force to be reckoned with. Primarily known for his exploits with Royal Challengers Bangalore, de Villiers amassed 3 centuries in his 184-match IPL career. His audacious strokeplay and exceptional finishing skills made him a crowd favorite.
8. Sanju Samson (3 Centuries):
Sanju Samson, the explosive right-handed batsman, has become a mainstay for Rajasthan Royals. His talent was evident right from his debut in 2013. With three centuries to his name in 153 matches, Samson is known for his fearless hitting and ability to take bowling attacks apart.
7. Shubman Gill (3 Centuries):
One of the brightest young talents in Indian cricket, Shubman Gill has already carved a niche for himself in the IPL. Playing for Kolkata Knight Riders and Gujarat Titans, Gill has notched up three centuries in just 92 matches. His elegant strokeplay and ability to pace his innings make him a future star in the IPL.
6. David Warner (4 Centuries):
The swashbuckling Australian opener, David Warner, has been a prolific run-scorer in the IPL. He has donned the jerseys of Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad, even leading the latter to the IPL title in 2016. Warner boasts of four centuries in his 177-match IPL career, known for his aggressive strokeplay and ability to dominate from the outset.
5. Shane Watson (4 Centuries):
The former Australian all-rounder, Shane Watson, was a valuable asset for Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Chennai Super Kings during his IPL career (2008-2020). A powerful hitter and a canny operator with the ball, Watson smashed four centuries in 145 matches. His ability to play big knocks under pressure made him a vital cog in the teams he represented.
4. KL Rahul (4 Centuries):
KL Rahul, the current batting mainstay for Lucknow Super Giants, has been a consistent run-scorer in the IPL for the past few seasons. He has played for multiple franchises like Punjab Kings, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and now Lucknow. Rahul, with his elegant strokeplay and ability to bat through the innings, has amassed four centuries in 119 matches.
3. Jos Buttler (5 Centuries):
The destructive English wicket-keeper batsman, Jos Buttler, has emerged as one of the finest T20 batsmen in the world. Playing for Rajasthan Royals, his aggressive strokeplay and fearlessness against pace have been a nightmare for bowlers. Buttler holds the record for the most centuries in a single IPL season (4 in 2022) and has a total of five centuries in just 97 matches.
2. Chris Gayle (6 Centuries):
The ‘Universe Boss,’ Chris Gayle, needs no introduction. The Jamaican superstar has dominated T20 cricket for over a decade, and the IPL was no different. Playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore, Punjab Kings, and Kolkata Knight Riders, Gayle holds the record for the fastest IPL century (30 balls). With his power hitting and six-hitting prowess, Gayle amassed a staggering six centuries in 142 matches, leaving a lasting impact on the tournament.
1. Virat Kohli (7 Centuries):
The ‘King’ of consistency, Virat Kohli, reigns supreme when it comes to centuries in the IPL. The former Royal Challengers Bangalore captain is the only batsman to score seven centuries in IPL history. Kohli, known for his exceptional batting technique, mental strength, and ability to chase big targets, has been a pillar for RCB throughout his IPL career.
This list celebrates the remarkable achievements of these batsmen who have redefined power hitting and redefined the boundaries in the