Fastest Century: The Indian Premier League (IPL), since its inception in 2008, has become one of the most exciting and high-octane cricket leagues in the world. The league is known for its fierce competition, star-studded rosters, and breathtaking performances from some of the world’s best cricketers. Among the many remarkable feats in the IPL, one record stands out: the fastest century ever scored in the history of the tournament.
As of 2025, the record for the fastest century in IPL history is held by Chris Gayle, the West Indian T20 specialist, who achieved this milestone in 2013. Gayle’s incredible ability to strike the ball powerfully and his aggressive batting style have made him one of the most feared players in T20 cricket, and his record-breaking century in the IPL is a testament to his extraordinary hitting prowess.
This article will explore Chris Gayle’s record for the fastest century in IPL, including details of the match, his impact on the league, and how his achievement has shaped IPL history. Additionally, we will look at other notable fast centuries in the IPL and provide a comparison to give context to Gayle’s feat.
Chris Gayle’s Record-Breaking Century
Match Details:
- Date: April 23, 2013
- Opponent: Pune Warriors India
- Venue: M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore
- Batting Team: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
- Balls Faced: 30
- Runs Scored: 100 runs
- Number of Deliveries for the Century: 30 balls
Chris Gayle’s match against Pune Warriors India in 2013 is one of the most iconic moments in IPL history. He achieved his century in just 30 balls, setting a new record for the fastest century in the tournament. Gayle’s aggressive approach and destructive power-hitting were on full display as he launched an assault on the Pune Warriors’ bowlers. His innings was a thrilling exhibition of sixes, as he blasted 11 sixes in his 100-run knock, along with 5 fours.
This breathtaking display of batting left the crowd in awe and helped solidify Gayle’s reputation as one of the greatest T20 players ever. The achievement also served as a defining moment for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), a franchise that had already garnered significant attention with players like Gayle, Virat Kohli, and AB de Villiers.
Key Statistics of Chris Gayle’s Fastest IPL Century
| Player | Chris Gayle |
|---|---|
| Team | Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) |
| Opponent | Pune Warriors India |
| Date | April 23, 2013 |
| Venue | M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore |
| Balls Faced | 30 |
| Runs Scored | 100 |
| Sixes | 11 |
| Fours | 5 |
Chris Gayle’s Impact on the IPL and T20 Cricket
Chris Gayle’s achievement of the fastest IPL century marked a turning point in the way T20 cricket was played. His destructive hitting has been a feature of his career, and his IPL century only added to his legacy as one of the best T20 batsmen. Here are some key aspects of his impact on IPL and T20 cricket:
1. Dominance in the IPL:
Gayle’s record-breaking century was just one of many remarkable performances in the IPL. Over the years, he has been a consistent performer, finishing as one of the leading run-scorers in multiple seasons. His performances have provided several match-winning moments for his teams, particularly for RCB.
2. Global Appeal:
Gayle’s ability to entertain crowds with his aggressive style has made him a global icon. His IPL century against Pune Warriors India highlighted the entertainment factor that T20 leagues like the IPL bring to cricket. Gayle has since become synonymous with T20 cricket and has played a key role in elevating the sport’s profile around the world.
3. Power-Hitting Legacy:
Gayle’s record-breaking innings was an example of his unmatched ability to clear the boundary at will. His 11 sixes in that 100-run knock are a testament to his power-hitting abilities, which have been a feature of his entire career. Players aspiring to play aggressive T20 cricket often look up to Gayle’s batting as a benchmark.
Other Fastest Centuries in IPL: A Comparative Look
While Chris Gayle holds the record for the fastest IPL century, there have been other notable performances in the IPL where players have scored rapid centuries. Some of these players have come close to Gayle’s record, and their contributions have been crucial for their respective teams. Here’s a look at the other fastest centuries in IPL history:
Table: Fastest Centuries in IPL History
| Rank | Player | Team | Balls Faced | Opponent | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chris Gayle | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 30 | Pune Warriors India | 2013 |
| 2 | Brendon McCullum | Kolkata Knight Riders | 53 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 2008 |
| 3 | Adam Gilchrist | Deccan Chargers | 42 | Kolkata Knight Riders | 2008 |
| 4 | David Miller | Kings XI Punjab | 38 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 2013 |
| 5 | Shane Watson | Rajasthan Royals | 44 | Delhi Daredevils | 2010 |
Analysis of Fastest Centuries in IPL
- Chris Gayle’s 30-ball century remains the gold standard in IPL for the speed at which a century can be scored. His innings against Pune Warriors India is unparalleled in terms of both balls faced and the sheer power of the shots played.
- Brendon McCullum, who scored the first-ever century in IPL history, took 53 balls to reach his ton for Kolkata Knight Riders in 2008. While not as fast as Gayle’s century, McCullum’s innings was still remarkable, and it set the stage for the explosive batting that would come to define the IPL.
- David Miller’s 38-ball century for Kings XI Punjab in 2013, against Royal Challengers Bangalore, remains one of the fastest centuries in IPL, with Miller’s ability to accelerate the game in the final stages becoming a crucial element for his team.
- Shane Watson, another destructive T20 batsman, took 44 balls to reach his century for Rajasthan Royals against Delhi Daredevils in 2010. His knock was an example of patience and controlled aggression, a hallmark of his IPL performances.
Chris Gayle’s Legacy in IPL
Chris Gayle’s record for the fastest IPL century is not just about the numbers; it is about the impact he has had on the game. He is one of the most feared batsmen in T20 cricket, and his IPL performances have become a defining feature of the tournament.
Gayle’s IPL Career in Numbers:
| Statistical Category | Chris Gayle’s IPL Career |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 142 |
| Innings Played | 139 |
| Runs Scored | 4965 |
| Highest Score | 175* |
| Average | 41.29 |
| Strike Rate | 152.08 |
| Centuries | 6 |
| Half-Centuries | 31 |
| Sixes Hit | 342 |
Conclusion: Chris Gayle’s Record Is Unmatched
Chris Gayle’s 30-ball century in 2013 is a record that continues to stand strong in the IPL, and it is unlikely that anyone will break it in the near future. His destructive batting, ability to clear the boundary, and consistent match-winning performances have earned him a legendary status in the world of T20 cricket. The record is a fitting reflection of Gayle’s extraordinary ability to entertain and dominate in the shortest format of the game.
As the IPL continues to evolve and attract some of the best cricketing talent from around the world, Chris Gayle’s record will always be remembered as one of the most remarkable achievements in the history of the tournament.