The Indian Premier League (IPL) has delivered several memorable batting knocks to its fans in the last 18 years but a few will reside in the minds of supporters forever.
With IPL completing 18 successful years, it’s essential to look back at illustrious innings which holds special places in the hearts of the league’s buffs. These knocks have their own relevance as some broke into record books while others turned the match.
In this article, SportsTiger recounts seven memorable IPL innings of all time.
Most memorable IPL innings of all time
7. AB de Villiers’ unbeaten 79 off 47 against Gujarat Lions in IPL 2016 playoffs
In the IPL 2016 playoffs between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Lions at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, when the former lost their five batters at a score of 29 in 5.3 overs while chasing 159 runs, AB de Villiers stepped up and produced a match-winning innings. He smashed an unbeaten 79 off 47 and guided the Challengers to a four-wicket win.
6. Suresh Raina’s unbeaten 87 off 25 against PBKS in IPL 2010 playoffs
In the 2014 playoffs between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and (CSK) at the Wankhede Stadium, the latter registered a 24-run loss but their stalwart Suresh Raina struck 87 runs off just 25 balls. In the losing occasion, the southpaw notched up a 16-ball fifty and became the batter with the fastest IPL half-century for Super Kings.
5. MS Dhoni’s unbeaten 54 off 29 against PBKS in IPL 2010
Contesting against PBKS (then Kings XI Punjab) in Dharamsala in 2010, MS Dhoni played a stunning knock for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the do-or-die game. Following a target of 193, Chennai witnessed their captain playing a match-winning knock of an unbeaten 54 off 29. Riding on Dhoni’s valiant batting display, Chennai qualified for the knockouts and also went on to become the IPL 2010 champions.
4. Jos Buttler’s unbeaten 107 off 60 against KKR in 2024
Rajasthan Royals (RR) snatched victory from (KKR) at iconic Eden Gardens in 2024, riding on Jos Buttler’s remarkable innings of unbeaten 107 off just 60. Pursuing a target of 224, RR lost eight batters at a score of 186 in 17.3 overs. In the crunch situation, the English batter held his nerves and took RR home on the last delivery of the match.
3. Virat Kohli’s 113 off 50 against PBKS in 2016
Virat Kohli looked in sensational touch for RCB against PBKS in 2016 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Batting first, Bengaluru posted 211/3 on the board and Kohli assisted his side with a brilliant 113 off 50. RCB won the game by 82 runs and the right-handed batter also became the player of the match (POTM) for his heroics.
2. Brendon McCullum’s unbeaten 158 off 73 against RCB in 2008
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Brendon McCullum scripted history in the inaugural game of IPL 2008, played at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Representing KKR, the New Zealander hit an unbeaten 158 off 73 and helped his team put up 222/3 in 20 overs. Kolkata bagged that game by 140 runs and McCullum’s knock is still the second-best in the history of the league.
1. Chris Gayle’s unbeaten 175 off 66 against Pune Warriors India in 2013
In the 2013 IPL edition, opener Chris Gayle played an unprecedented innings of an unbeaten 175 off 66 against Pune Warriors India and entered the record books as the batter with the highest individual score in the league. The left-handed opener’s innings was studded with 30 boundaries (13 fours and 17 maximums). RCB hammered Pune by 130 runs, riding on their Caribbean stalwart’s phenomenal batting.