Top 10 Fastest Centuries in IPL History

ICE CRIC
May 31, 2025
4 min read

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has given us countless breathtaking moments since its inception in 2008. But few sights in cricket are as electrifying as watching a batter blaze their way to a hundred in record time. Over the years, several superstars and rising talents have lit up the tournament with explosive centuries that left fans speechless.

In this article, we look at the Top 10 Fastest Centuries in IPL History, ranked by balls taken to reach the milestone. From unforgettable knocks to record-breaking feats, these innings showcase the aggressive and thrilling nature of T20 cricket.

Let’s dive into the countdown!

David Miller – 38 balls vs RCB (2013)

South African powerhouse David Miller announced himself to the world with this epic innings. Batting for Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), Miller came in when his team was struggling and smashed the RCB bowlers all over the park.

Score: 101* (38 balls)
Fours/Sixes: 8/7
Venue: Mohali

This innings earned him the nickname "Killer Miller" and is still remembered as one of the fastest centuries in IPL and one of the best counter-attacking knocks.

9️⃣ Adam Gilchrist – 42 balls vs MI (2008)

The former Aussie skipper and Deccan Chargers captain took just 42 balls to reach his century against Mumbai Indians in IPL 2008. His aggressive start helped his side chase down 155 in just 12 overs.

Score: 109* (47 balls)
Fours/Sixes: 9/10
Venue: DY Patil Stadium

Gilchrist’s knock remains one of the most iconic in the league’s early years and a benchmark for explosive openers.

8️⃣ Sanath Jayasuriya – 45 balls vs CSK (2008)

In the same season, Sanath Jayasuriya, playing for Mumbai Indians, stunned Chennai Super Kings with a brutal 114* off 48 balls. He reached his hundred in just 45 deliveries.

Fours/Sixes: 9/11
Venue: Wankhede Stadium

It was vintage Jayasuriya—clearing the ropes with ease and showcasing why he was one of the most feared hitters in the game.

7️⃣ Mayank Agarwal – 45 balls vs RR (2020)

One of the best domestic talents, Mayank Agarwal, lit up IPL 2020 with a 45-ball hundred against Rajasthan Royals. His knock was filled with elegant timing and clean hitting.

Score: 106 (50 balls)
Fours/Sixes: 10/7
Venue: Sharjah

Even though Punjab lost the game in a high-scoring thriller, Mayank’s century remained a highlight of the season.

6️⃣ Chris Gayle – 46 balls vs PBKS (2011)

This wasn’t even Gayle’s fastest century in IPL, but it still makes the list. Playing for RCB, he hammered the Punjab bowling unit with power and aggression, reaching the three-figure mark in just 46 balls.

Score: 107 (49 balls)
Fours/Sixes: 10/9
Venue: Bengaluru

It was one of those innings where Gayle made it look effortless—and terrifying for bowlers.

5️⃣ Murali Vijay – 46 balls vs RR (2010)

Not often spoken about, but Murali Vijay’s 127-run masterclass for Chennai Super Kings in 2010 was sensational. He hit the ball cleanly and never let the bowlers settle.

Score: 127 (56 balls)
Fours/Sixes: 8/11
Venue: Chennai

Vijay’s 46-ball ton played a huge role in CSK’s campaign that season and remains one of his finest innings.

4️⃣ AB de Villiers – 43 balls vs MI (2015)

When AB de Villiers is in full flow, few can stop him. Against Mumbai Indians in 2015, he crafted a magical 133* off 59 balls. He reached his century in just 43 balls, mixing innovation with brute force.

Fours/Sixes: 19/4
Venue: Wankhede Stadium

AB’s ability to hit anywhere on the ground was on full display that day. It was a treat for every cricket lover.

3️⃣ Yusuf Pathan – 37 balls vs MI (2010)

Chasing a big target, Yusuf Pathan, playing for Rajasthan Royals, brought his team close to a win with an extraordinary 100 off just 37 balls. The most astonishing part? His first 21 balls yielded just 15 runs!

Fours/Sixes: 9/8
Venue: Brabourne Stadium

It was a whirlwind of power-hitting once he got going, making this one of the fastest centuries in IPL history.

2️⃣ David Warner – 43 balls vs KKR (2017)

In 2017, David Warner exploded with a 126-run innings off just 59 balls against Kolkata Knight Riders. He brought up his century in 43 balls, showing why he’s one of the most consistent T20 openers.

Fours/Sixes: 10/8
Venue: Hyderabad

It was controlled aggression, and the KKR bowlers had no answers.

1️⃣ Chris Gayle – 30 balls vs Pune Warriors India (2013)

No surprises here. The fastest century in IPL history belongs to the Universe Boss, Chris Gayle. In one of the most destructive innings ever played in cricket, Gayle smashed a 100 in just 30 balls.

Final Score: 175* (66 balls)
Fours/Sixes: 13/17
Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium

This innings broke multiple records and remains the highest individual score in T20 cricket, not just the IPL. Gayle's knock was a one-man demolition show that redefined what was possible in T20 batting.

Honourable Mentions

While the above list includes the Top 10 fastest centuries in IPL history, other notable mentions include:

Virat Kohli (47 balls vs PBKS in 2016)
Rishabh Pant’s 78 off 27 (though not a century, it was a devastating knock)
KL Rahul’s 100 off 51 balls vs MI in 2022

These knocks, while not record-breaking in terms of speed, were still vital and displayed elite T20 batting skills.

Final Thoughts

The IPL is all about entertainment, and nothing gets fans out of their seats quite like a blistering century. Whether it's Chris Gayle’s record-shattering 175*Yusuf Pathan’s out-of-nowhere blitz, or AB de Villiers’ surgical destruction of bowlers, these innings are etched in the hearts of fans forever.

As the league evolves with younger talent and fearless batting styles, we’re sure to see even more records tumble in the coming seasons.