The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been a stage for incredible batting performances, with players hitting towering sixes, explosive boundaries, and, of course, lightning-fast centuries. But which player has the record for the fastest century in IPL history?
In this article, we’ll take you through the record for the fastest century in IPL, along with other remarkable batting milestones, including some of the top performances that have shocked and awed fans worldwide. Read on to discover who holds the record and how they achieved this remarkable feat.
The Fastest Century in IPL: Chris Gayle
The record for the fastest century in IPL history belongs to none other than the Jamaican powerhouse, Chris Gayle. Gayle, who has been one of the most dominant players in IPL history, set the record during the 2013 IPL season while playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) against Pune Warriors India.
Key Stats (As of 2025):
- Century Scored: 100* off 30 balls
- Date: 2013
- Opposition: Pune Warriors India
- Venue: M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore
Chris Gayle’s stunning knock of 100* off just 30 balls remains the fastest century ever scored in the IPL. This innings is regarded as one of the most entertaining performances in the history of the league. With his natural flair for power-hitting, Gayle demolished the bowling attack and made the fastest century seem effortless.
Other Fast Centuries in IPL History
While Chris Gayle holds the record for the fastest century, several other players have also achieved remarkable feats with their blistering centuries. Here’s a look at the fastest centuries after Gayle’s 30-ball wonder.
Yusuf Pathan
One of the IPL’s most powerful hitters, Yusuf Pathan is another cricketer who holds the record for a fast century. Pathan scored a stunning 100 off 37 balls for Rajasthan Royals against Mumbai Indians in the 2010 IPL season. His century, which came in just 37 balls, was one of the earliest examples of the aggressive batting approach that the IPL is known for.
Key Stats (As of 2025):
- Century Scored: 100 off 37 balls
- Date: 2010
- Opposition: Mumbai Indians
- Venue: DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai
Adam Gilchrist
Adam Gilchrist, the legendary Australian wicketkeeper-batsman, set a remarkable record during the 2008 IPL season for Deccan Chargers. Gilchrist scored a blistering century off 42 balls against Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), showcasing his aggressive style of batting and turning the IPL into a true spectacle.
Key Stats (As of 2025):
- Century Scored: 100 off 42 balls
- Date: 2008
- Opposition: Delhi Daredevils
- Venue: Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai
Gilchrist’s swashbuckling knock was instrumental in making the IPL the high-scoring event it is today.
KL Rahul
KL Rahul, one of India’s top modern-day batsmen, achieved a memorable IPL century for Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) in the 2020 IPL season. Rahul scored a stylish century off 49 balls, showing off his combination of power and timing to anchor the innings.
Key Stats (As of 2025):
- Century Scored: 100 off 49 balls
- Date: 2020
- Opposition: Rajasthan Royals
- Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium
Rahul’s century was instrumental in Punjab’s success in that season, and he remains one of the most consistent performers in the IPL.
Key Factors for Hitting Fast Centuries in IPL
Scoring a fast century in the IPL is not an easy task, and it requires a combination of factors that enable a batsman to accelerate the scoring from the very start. Let’s take a look at the key aspects that contribute to a fast century in the IPL:
Aggressive Intent
The most important factor in scoring a fast century is having the right mindset — an aggressive approach to batting. Players like Gayle, Pathan, and Gilchrist have consistently shown that they go after every delivery, regardless of the situation, and look to dominate the bowlers from the word go.
Power-Hitting Ability
Fast centuries are often a result of a batsman’s ability to clear the boundary with ease. Players who can hit sixes and boundaries consistently without compromising their technique have the edge in IPL matches.
Conditions and Opposition
The pitch conditions and opposition bowling also play a crucial role in facilitating a fast century. Flat pitches with short boundaries often help players score quickly, as seen in Gayle’s record-breaking knock at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who holds the record for the fastest century in IPL 2025?
As of 2025, Chris Gayle still holds the record for the fastest century in IPL history, with 100* off just 30 balls.
What is the second-fastest century in IPL?
The second-fastest century in IPL history is Yusuf Pathan’s 100 off 37 balls, which he scored in the 2010 IPL season for Rajasthan Royals.
How many balls did it take Chris Gayle to score his fastest IPL century?
Chris Gayle scored his fastest century in just 30 balls during his knock for Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2013.
Which player has the fastest century in IPL 2020 and beyond?
The fastest century post-2020 belongs to KL Rahul, who scored 100 off 49 balls for Punjab Kings in 2020.
Who has the most IPL centuries?
As of 2025, Chris Gayle holds the record for the most centuries in IPL, with 6 centuries to his name.
Conclusion
The Indian Premier League continues to deliver exciting and memorable batting performances, and the record for the fastest century is one of the most thrilling milestones. Chris Gayle, with his 30-ball century, remains the holder of this prestigious record, but players like Yusuf Pathan, Adam Gilchrist, and KL Rahul have also delivered remarkable performances that will go down in IPL history.
As the IPL evolves, we can expect to see more players chasing this record, and the fast century list will only get more exciting. But for now, Chris Gayle’s incredible achievement stands unchallenged.
Incredible batting performances have always been the highlight of the IPL, making it a thrilling tournament for cricket fans. The aggressive mindset and ability to hit boundaries consistently set apart players like Gayle and Gilchrist. Pitch conditions and opposition bowling also play a crucial role in achieving such fast centuries. One can only wonder how long Gayle’s record will remain unchallenged. Will newer players like Rahul or maybe an upcoming talent break this record in the next seasons?
The IPL is truly a spectacle of power-hitting and skill, with batsmen consistently pushing the limits of aggression. Chris Gayle’s record-breaking ton remains a benchmark for others to chase. Fast centuries showcase not just talent but also the ability to adapt to pressure and conditions. It’s fascinating to see how players like Gayle and Gilchrist have redefined T20 batting. Will anyone ever surpass Gayle’s 30-ball century record in the future?
The IPL has indeed been a thrilling platform for batsmen to showcase their explosive skills. Chris Gayle’s record is legendary, but it’s fascinating to see how other players like Rahul and Gilchrist have left their mark with their own blistering centuries. The mindset of aggressive batting seems to be the key, as players like Gayle and Pathan have shown no fear in dominating bowlers from the start. However, I wonder if there’s a risk of such aggressive approaches backfiring in crucial moments? The role of pitch conditions and bowling strategies also cannot be ignored, as they can make or break a batsman’s attempt at a fast century. Do you think we’ll see Gayle’s record broken in the near future, or will it remain unchallenged for years to come? The evolution of the IPL promises even more excitement, and I can’t wait to see who steps up next! What’s your take on the balance between aggressive batting and maintaining consistency in the IPL?
The IPL truly showcases some of the most thrilling cricketing moments, especially with batsmen setting records like Gayle’s fastest century. It’s fascinating how players like Gilchrist and Rahul have also left their mark with such explosive innings. The mindset of these players, combined with their ability to dominate bowlers from the start, is what makes these centuries so special. Also, the role of pitch conditions and stadium boundaries can’t be overlooked, as they often play a huge part in these high-scoring games. Do you think we’ll see someone break Gayle’s record soon, or is it too tough to beat? Watching these players push the boundaries of what’s possible is what makes the IPL so exciting. What’s your favorite IPL century moment?