10 Most Memorable IPL Innings of All Time

The Indian Premier League has been the stage for some of the most breathtaking batting displays in cricket history. Over 17 seasons, we have witnessed innings that defied logic, broke records, and left fans around the world speechless. Here are ten innings that stand out above the rest.

1. Chris Gayle — 175 not out vs Pune Warriors (2013)

The greatest individual innings in T20 history. Chris Gayle smashed 175 runs off just 66 balls for Royal Challengers Bangalore, hitting 17 sixes and 13 fours. He reached his century off just 30 balls — the fastest in IPL history at the time.

2. AB de Villiers — 133 not out vs Mumbai Indians (2015)

In what many consider the most complete T20 innings ever played, AB de Villiers scored 133 off 59 balls. What made this innings special was the range of shots — he hit 360 degrees around the ground, making the Mumbai bowlers look helpless.

3. Brendon McCullum — 158 not out vs RCB (2008)

The innings that launched the IPL. In the very first match of the tournament's history, McCullum announced the T20 revolution with 158 off 73 balls for the Kolkata Knight Riders. Ten sixes and 13 fours opened the IPL era with a statement.

4. Shane Watson — 117 not out vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (2018 Final)

With the IPL title on the line, Watson played one of the greatest final innings in tournament history. Despite struggling with a bleeding knee, he scored an unbeaten 117 off 57 balls to guide CSK to victory. His determination made this innings iconic.

5. Virat Kohli — 113 vs Kings XI Punjab (2016)

During his record-breaking 2016 season, where he scored 973 runs, Kohli's century against Punjab stood out. His ability to accelerate at will while maintaining his composure under pressure was a masterclass in modern T20 batting.

6. David Warner — 126 vs KKR (2017)

Warner's highest IPL score was a display of controlled aggression. He scored his runs at nearly two runs per ball while barely taking any risks. It was a reminder that power and precision can coexist beautifully.

7. Yusuf Pathan — 100 off 37 balls vs Mumbai Indians (2010)

One of the fastest centuries in IPL history. Pathan's brutal hitting, particularly his ability to clear boundaries at will, made this innings unforgettable. His onslaught against some of the world's best bowlers was a sight to behold.

8. Rishabh Pant — 128 not out vs SRH (2018)

Just 20 years old at the time, Pant's innings was a glimpse into the future of Indian cricket. His audacious shot-making and fearless approach earned him comparisons with the greatest T20 batsmen in the world. He hit 15 fours and seven sixes in a knock that showed rare maturity for his age.

9. KL Rahul — 132 not out vs RCB (2020)

Rahul's unbeaten 132 was a complete T20 innings — he started cautiously, accelerated in the middle overs, and then exploded at the death. His ability to manipulate the field and find gaps made this knock both elegant and devastating.

10. Jos Buttler — 124 vs SRH (2022)

Buttler's fourth century of that IPL season was a masterpiece of innovative batting. His ability to play conventional and unorthodox shots with equal ease made him virtually impossible to bowl to. The Rajasthan Royals man was in a league of his own that season.

What These Innings Tell Us

Looking at the greatest IPL innings reveals common themes. The best T20 batsmen share certain qualities: the ability to find boundaries at will, the temperament to build an innings under pressure, and the game awareness to accelerate at the right time. These innings were not just about hitting boundaries — they were about knowing when to attack and when to consolidate.