Chris Gayle’s explosive 175* off just 66 balls stands as the highest individual score in IPL. Gayle record that has remained unmatched for over a decade. While several batting maestros have come close, no one has managed to surpass this monumental achievement from 2013.
The quest for the highest individual score in IPL history has produced some remarkable innings. It’s worth mentioning that Brendon McCullum’s unforgettable 158* in the very first IPL game set the stage for Ipl.
The top 10 list has today’s superstars like AB de Villiers, who shows up twice with scores of 133* and 129*, and up-and-coming talents like Shubman Gill with his textbook 129.
We’ve analyzed these record-breaking performances, breaking down each innings to understand what makes them special. From Quinton de Kock’s masterful 140* to Rishabh Pant’s fearless 128*, each knock tells its own unique story of skill, determination, and match-winning impact.
Chris Gayle’s Explosive 175*: The Highest Score in IPL History
On April 23, 2013, at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Aaron Finch’s decision to bowl first against RCB set the stage for cricket history.Gayle hold the record of highest individual score in IPL History.
Breaking Down the Innings
The Universe Boss reached his fifty in mere 17 deliveries. His assault intensified as he smashed five sixes and a four in Mitchell Marsh’s over, accumulating 28 runs. Subsequently, Aaron Finch’s over proved even more expensive, conceding 29 runs through four sixes and a four.
The most remarkable milestone came when Gayle completed his century off just 30 balls, establishing a record for the fastest T20 hundred that stands even today.His opening partnership with Tillakaratne Dilshan yielded 167 runs, though Dilshan contributed only 33 runs off 36 balls.
Key Statistics and Milestones
The innings progression showcased Gayle’s dominance:
- 50 runs: 17 balls (6 fours, 4 sixes)
- 100 runs: 30 balls (8 fours, 11 sixes)
- 150 runs: 53 balls (11 fours, 16 sixes)
- Final score: 175* off 66 balls (13 fours, 17 sixes)
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Brendon McCullum’s Historic 158*
The inaugural IPL match at M.Chinnaswamy, on April 18, 2008, witnessed a batting masterclass that would define T20 cricket’s future.Brendon McCullum second on the list of highest individual score in IPL History.
Record-Breaking Moments
McCullum’s unbeaten 158 came off just 73 balls, featuring 10 fours and 13 sixes. This knock established several records:
- Highest score in T20 cricket at that time
- Most sixes (13) in a T20 innings
- Contributed to KKR’s massive total of 222/3
Quinton de Kock’s Masterful 140*: LSG’s Game-Changer
At DY Patil Stadium, a must-win game transformed into a masterclass as Quinton de Kock crafted an unbeaten 140 off 70 deliveries.Quinton de Kock third on the list of highest individual score in IPL History.
Match Situation
The stakes were high for both teams as Lucknow Super Giants faced Kolkata Knight Riders.
Accordingly, de Kock survived two crucial drops – first in the third over by Abhijeet Tomar, followed by another chance on 68 by Sam Billings. These reprieves proved costly as the South African wicketkeeper-batsman went on to score an additional 128 runs.
Technical Analysis
The innings showcased de Kock’s versatility through:
- Reverse sweeps against Sunil Narine
- Pull shots against pacers
- Strategic targeting of square leg region
- Innovative strokes against spinners
During the final phase, de Kock specifically targeted Tim Southee, amassing 27 runs in the 19th over. His innings featured 10 sixes and 10 fours, making him the first batter since Kieron Pollard in 2019 to hit 10+ sixes in an IPL match.
Chase Mathematics
The match culminated in a thrilling finish as KKR mounted a spirited chase. Nitish Rana (42) and Shreyas Iyer (50) led the initial response. Nevertheless, it was Rinku Singh’s explosive 40 off 15 balls that nearly turned the game. The equation came down to three runs off the final two balls, primarily due to Rinku’s assault of a four and two sixes earlier in the over. Marcus Stoinis, however, held his nerve, securing a two-run victory and LSG’s playoff spot.
De Kock’s 140* now stands as the third highest individual score in IPL history, simultaneously earning him the record for the joint-highest score by a South African in men’s T20s.
AB de Villiers’ Brilliant 133*: Mumbai Massacre
The Wankhede Stadium witnessed AB de Villiers orchestrate one of IPL’s most vicious batting displays, crafting an unbeaten 133 off just 59 deliveries at a staggering strike rate of 225.42.
Build-up to the Innings
Following a cautious start against Lasith Malinga, who delivered a wicket-maiden, de Villiers found his rhythm with consecutive square boundaries off J Suchith’s left-arm spin in the sixth over. Primarily, the South African’s innings gained momentum once Mumbai’s spinners failed to extract significant turn from the surface.
Shot Selection Analysis
De Villiers’ masterclass featured an array of shots that left the Mumbai bowlers helpless:
- Scooped near-yorkers over fine leg
- Casual yet powerful cover drives
- Strategic sweeps against confused spinners
- Deep-crease cuts through point
Straightaway, his intent became clear as he reached his fifty off 29 deliveries. Consequently, the onslaught intensified as he completed his century off 47 balls with 15 fours and 3 sixes.
Match Impact
The duo’s partnership propelled RCB to a mammoth 235/1 in their 20 overs. Soon, this total proved too much for Mumbai Indians, who managed 196/7, resulting in a 39-run victory for RCB. Therefore, despite Kieron Pollard’s fighting 49 off 24 balls, de Villiers’ innings had effectively batted Mumbai out of the match.
The Mumbai crowd, suspending regional loyalty, chanted de Villiers’ name throughout his stay at the crease. His innings remained nearly flawless, with barely a mishit throughout the spectacular display of batting prowess.
KL Rahul’s Calculated 132*: Captain’s Knock
Leading from the front, Kings XI Punjab captain KL Rahul crafted a magnificent 132* off 69 balls against Royal Challengers Bangalore in Dubai, establishing the highest individual score in IPL History.
Leadership Impact
As captain, Rahul emphasized taking responsibility through his batting approach. Primarily, his philosophy centered on match situations rather than strike rates. “As a leader, you have to take responsibility. I like to take responsibility and win games for my team”. His leadership style reflected in his ability to assess conditions and adapt his game accordingly.
Batting Strategy
Rahul’s innings showcased a calculated approach to T20 batting. His strategy involved:
- First fifty: 36 balls (building foundation)
- Second fifty: 26 balls (acceleration phase)
- Final assault: 42 runs off last 9 balls
Remarkably, Rahul maintained his composure throughout the innings, rotating strike effectively between boundaries. His approach demonstrated remarkable versatility, evidently shown in his ability to shift gears. At the 14-over mark, he was 46 off 44 balls, before launching an extraordinary assault.
Key Moments
The innings reached its crescendo in the death overs. Certainly, two dropped catches by Virat Kohli in the 17th and 18th overs proved costly. Following these reprieves, Rahul unleashed a devastating attack:
- Against Dale Steyn: 6,4,6,6,4
- Against Shivam Dube: 4,6,6
This onslaught propelled Kings XI Punjab to a formidable total of 206/3. Ultimately, his innings proved decisive as Punjab secured a comprehensive victory. The performance earned him the orange cap for being the tournament’s leading run-scorer. Overall, this knock stands as a masterclass in T20 batting, combining orthodox technique with calculated aggression, basically defining the perfect template for a captain’s innings in the IPL format.
AB de Villiers’ Explosive 129*: Gujarat Lions Demolition
RCB clash against Gujarat Lions in 2016 witnessed a batting masterpiece at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, where AB de Villiers crafted an unbeaten 129 off 52 deliveries.
Partnership Records
The partnership between de Villiers and Virat Kohli redefined T20 batting standards. Indeed, their monumental 229-run stand off just 96 balls established a new IPL record. Primarily, this achievement surpassed their own previous record of 215 runs against Mumbai Indians. The duo became the first and only pair to register multiple 200+ partnerships in IPL history.
Scoring Patterns
De Villiers’ innings progression showcased remarkable acceleration:
- First fifty: 25 balls (6 fours, 3 sixes)
- Century: 43 balls (9 fours, 8 sixes)
- Final score: 129* off 52 balls (10 fours, 12 sixes)
The onslaught intensified as the innings progressed, namely in the final phase where RCB amassed 112 runs in the last five overs – a record that stands unbroken. De Villiers maintained a stellar strike rate of 248.08 throughout his stay at the crease.
Match Significance
This extraordinary batting display propelled RCB to 248/3 in their 20 overs, the second-highest total in IPL history at that time. The match culminated in a 144-run victory for RCB, establishing the largest margin of victory by runs in the tournament’s history.
The innings gained additional significance as both de Villiers and Kohli scored centuries in the same match, marking only the second instance of such an occurrence in T20 cricket history. Furthermore, this performance came during RCB’s stellar 2016 season, where Kohli amassed 973 runs while de Villiers contributed 687 runs.
Shubman Gill’s Classical 129: Future Star Arrives
In Qualifier 2 of IPL 2023, Shubman Gill’s masterful 129 off 60 balls powered Gujarat Titans into their second consecutive final.Gill hold the record the highest individual score in IPL for GT.
Technique Analysis
Gill’s batting excellence stems from his refined technique, combining classical elements with modern adaptability. His balanced stance features a slight forward lean, maintaining a still head position throughout his stroke play. Primarily, his high backlift enables seamless transitions between front and back foot shots, while his bat comes down in a straight arc to maximize timing.
The innings showcased his technical prowess through precise footwork and shot selection. Throughout the knock, Gill demonstrated exceptional backfoot dominance, utilizing soft hands to maneuver gaps against spinners. His ability to play late against raw pace, coupled with controlled pull shots, significantly enhanced his scoring options.
Pressure Handling
Upon reaching his fifty off 32 balls with two sixes and three fours, Gill shifted gears dramatically. Immediately after, he launched an assault against Akash Madhwal, smashing three sixes to cross the 800-run mark. His composure under pressure became evident as he survived two consecutive chances – a failed run-out attempt by Ishan Kishan followed by a dropped catch at deep midwicket.
The innings gained momentum as Gill formed a crucial partnership of 138 runs with Sai Sudharsan, who contributed 43 off 31 balls. Presently, his remarkable acceleration resulted in his second fifty taking just 17 balls.
Impact on GT’s Campaign
The knock’s significance extended beyond personal milestones. Gill amassed an extraordinary 890 runs at an average of 59.33, establishing himself as the third-highest run-scorer in a single IPL season. His innings helped Gujarat Titans post 233/3, the highest total in any IPL playoffs match.
Key statistical achievements include:
- Surpassing Virender Sehwag’s 122 to register the highest score in IPL playoffs
- Scoring 94 runs in the middle overs (7-16) off just 36 balls
- Becoming only the second Indian after Virat Kohli to score more than 800 runs in a single season
The innings featured 10 sixes and 7 fours, ultimately securing a comfortable 62-run victory for Gujarat Titans. This performance solidified Gill’s position as a future leader, showcasing his ability to deliver under pressure while maintaining technical excellence.
Chris Gayle’s Dominant 128*: Delhi Destruction
A masterful display of power hitting unfolded at Delhi’s Feroz Shah Kotla ground as Chris Gayle unleashed an unbeaten 128 off 62 balls, propelling Royal Challengers Bangalore to a commanding victory against Delhi Daredevils.
Power Hitting Display
The Universe Boss dominated the proceedings with remarkable efficiency, scoring 82.81% of his runs through boundaries. His explosive innings featured 13 sixes, equaling Brendon McCullum’s record for most sixes in an IPL innings. Primarily, Gayle’s boundary-hitting prowess stood out as he amassed 106 runs just through boundaries, marking the second-highest boundary runs in IPL history.
Strategic Approach
The innings progression highlighted Gayle’s tactical brilliance:
- Maintained excellent balance throughout
- Minimized movement at the crease
- Capitalized on batting-friendly conditions
The partnership with Virat Kohli proved instrumental as they constructed a magnificent 204-run stand, establishing the second-highest partnership in IPL history. Remarkably, Kohli contributed 73 runs while Gayle dominated the scoring.
Match Context
The match carried significant playoff implications for RCB, who entered with 17 points from 15 games. Apparently, this innings transformed RCB’s campaign, similar to his impact in previous matches where his arrival had doubled the team’s batting average. The final total of 215/1 proved decisive as RCB secured a crucial 21-run victory.
The innings gained additional significance as it marked Gayle’s second-fastest century for RCB. Obviously, this performance further cemented his status as IPL’s premier six-hitter, extending his lead with 279 sixes in T20 cricket. The knock ultimately helped Gayle surpass his previous season’s tally of 608 runs and Sachin Tendulkar’s record aggregate of 618 runs in an IPL season.
The match progression showcased RCB’s dominance as they reached strategic milestones:
- 50 runs: 6.5 overs
- 100 runs: 12.2 overs
- 150 runs: 15.3 overs
- 200 runs: 18.5 overs
This extraordinary display of batting prowess, coupled with a strike rate of 206.45, reinforced Gayle’s reputation as one of T20 cricket’s most destructive batsmen. His ability to consistently clear boundaries while maintaining technical excellence made this innings particularly memorable in IPL’s rich history.
Rishabh Pant’s Fearless 128*: Solo Warriors
At Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi Daredevils’ young wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant scripted history with an unbeaten 128 off 63 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad’s formidable bowling attack.
Innovation Display
The 20-year-old’s innings showcased extraordinary shot-making abilities against SRH’s premier bowlers. Primarily, his assault began with three boundaries off Rashid Khan’s second over. His innovative approach against Bhuvneshwar Kumar proved particularly effective, as he hammered 26 runs in the final over. The innings featured a remarkable display of power-hitting with 15 boundaries and seven maximums.
Chase Analysis
Pant’s masterful innings contributed to 68.4% of Delhi’s total score, marking the second-highest percentage of runs by an individual batsman in an IPL match. Although Delhi posted a competitive 187/5, his knock stood out as a solo effort while his teammates collectively scored at less than a run a ball.
The innings progression highlighted his tactical brilliance against spin and pace alike. His ability to dismantle both Rashid Khan and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, taking 70 runs off just 24 balls against these premier bowlers, demonstrated his exceptional skill in handling pressure situations.
Impact on Career
This innings marked several milestones in Pant’s career. Ultimately, it established him as the highest-scoring Indian in IPL history at that time, surpassing Murali Vijay’s 127. His consistent performances, including this knock, led to significant career developments:
- Appointment as Delhi Capitals’ captain in 2021, becoming the youngest IPL captain at age 23
- Accumulation of over 3,000 runs in his IPL career
- Record-breaking transfer to Lucknow Super Giants for IPL 2025 for Rs 27 crore, making him the most expensive player in IPL history
The innings particularly showcased Pant’s evolution from a promising talent to a match-winner. His aggressive stroke play and fearless approach against quality bowling established him as one of the most dynamic players in the league. This performance, coming in his best IPL season where he amassed 684 runs, marked a turning point in his career trajectory.
Murali Vijay’s Elegant 127: Chennai’s Pride
The summer afternoon of April 3, 2010, at MA Chidambaram Stadium witnessed Murali Vijay unleash a batting masterpiece, scoring an unbeaten 127 off 56 balls against Rajasthan Royals.Murali Vijay hold the record for highest individual score in IPL for CSK.
Classical Batting Display
Vijay’s innings exemplified technical brilliance from the outset. Primarily, he announced his intentions with a late-cut off Yusuf Pathan’s faster delivery to the boundary. His shot selection showcased remarkable versatility, featuring pulls over mid-wicket and crashing cover drives. The innings progression highlighted his growing dominance:
- First fifty: Achieved through calculated aggression
- Century: Completed in just 46 balls
- Final phase: Accumulated 31 runs in the last 10 balls
Remarkably, Vijay’s innings featured 11 fours and 8 sixes, with his most productive shot being the leg glance that fetched 42 runs. His ability to use the crease effectively transformed what appeared to be a challenging pitch into a batting paradise.
Partnership Impact
The partnership between Vijay and Albie Morkel redefined T20 batting standards. Together, they amassed 152 runs for the third wicket, establishing CSK’s highest partnership for any wicket in IPL at that time. Apparently, while Morkel contributed with his aggressive stroke play, Vijay remained the dominant partner, controlling the tempo of the innings throughout their stand.
Match Significance
The innings propelled Chennai Super Kings to their highest IPL total of 246/5. Generally, such massive totals create pressure on the opposition, yet Rajasthan Royals mounted a spirited chase through Naman Ojha’s valiant 94. Finally, CSK secured a 23-run victory, with Vijay’s innings proving decisive in the context of their campaign.
This performance marked several milestones:
- Established the record for CSK’s highest individual score, surpassing Hussey’s 116
- Set a new benchmark for most sixes in an innings (11) for CSK
- Created the record for most runs in boundaries (98) in an innings for CSK
The impact of this innings extended beyond the immediate match result. Ultimately, it showcased Vijay’s evolution as a T20 batsman, earning him successive Man-of-the-Match awards. His ability to combine classical technique with aggressive intent made this innings particularly memorable in IPL’s rich history.
Conclusion
These remarkable innings stand as testaments to batting excellence in IPL history. Chris Gayle’s monumental 175* remains unchallenged at the summit, while Brendon McCullum’s inaugural 158* set the foundation for T20 batting standards.
Each performance tells a unique story. Quinton de Kock’s calculated 140* demonstrated partnership mastery, AB de Villiers’ twin entries of 133* and 129* showcased his 360-degree batting prowess, while KL Rahul’s captain’s knock of 132* proved his leadership mettle through batting excellence.
Modern stars like Shubman Gill continue this legacy of excellence, blending classical technique with T20 aggression. Their achievements remind us that IPL batting records reflect both individual brilliance and cricket’s constant evolution.
These innings changed matches and careers alike. Certainly, they transformed ordinary games into extraordinary spectacles, establishing benchmarks for future generations. Through technical mastery, innovative shot-making, and sheer determination, these batsmen crafted performances that transcend statistical significance.
