Chris Gayle, famously known as the “universe boss,” holds the record for the highest individual score in IPL in a season. He displayed his unparalleled batting prowess by smashing an incredible 175 runs off just 66 balls while representing Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) against Pune Warriors (PW=) during the 2013 season of the IPL. Gayle's innings were nothing short of explosive, as he reached the three-figure mark in just 30 balls, showcasing his dominance and sheer power as a batsman.

In the T20 format, a batsman's century often translates to a significant advantage for their team, increasing the likelihood of winning the match. This trend is prevalent not only in domestic T20 leagues but also in global tournaments like the IPL. While centuries in T20 cricket are relatively rare due to the limited-overs and fast-paced nature of the game, several exceptional cricketers have showcased their prowess with memorable innings.

Below we discuss the top 10 individual IPL innings that have been etched in fans’ memory. These innings, characterized by aggressive stroke play and strategic shot selection, have captivated cricket fans worldwide and highlighted the thrilling nature of the T20 format.

Highest Individual Score in IPL: Top 10 list

1. Chris Gayle | 175* runs | Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Pune Warriors | IPL 2013

Chris Gayle, holds the record for scoring IPL’s highest individual score in a season. He achieved this feat during a spectacular innings against Pune Warriors while playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 2013 season. Gayle's remarkable knock saw him score a massive 175 runs off just 66 balls, reaching the century mark in a mere 30 balls, showcasing his incredible power and skill as a batsman.

During his unbeaten innings, Gayle smashed 13 boundaries (fours) and an astounding 17 sixes, contributing significantly to Bangalore's total of 263/5. His phenomenal performance not only propelled his team to a formidable score but also played a crucial role in restricting Pune Warriors to 133/9, leading Bangalore to a convincing victory by 130 runs.

2. Brendon McCullum | 158* runs | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore | IPL 2008

Brendon McCullum made a sensational impact in the inaugural season of the IPL when he blazed his way to 158 runs off just 73 balls. These remarkable innings took place during the very first match, with McCullum representing Kolkata Knight Riders against Royal Challengers Bangalore. The former New Zealand captain's innings were characterized by an impressive display of power-hitting, including 10 boundaries (fours) and an incredible 13 sixes.

McCullum's unbeaten knock not only set the stage on fire but also led Kolkata Knight Riders to a resounding victory, winning the match by a massive margin of 140 runs. This performance remains etched in IPL history as one of the most explosive and memorable innings ever witnessed in the league's inaugural season that changed its perception forever.

3. Quinton de Kock | 140* runs | Lucknow Super Giants vs Kolkata Knight Riders | IPL 2022 

In the 2022 IPL match between Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders, Quinton de Kock showcased a remarkable performance, scoring an unbeaten 140 runs off just 70 balls. His innings were highlighted by an impressive partnership with KL Rahul, who contributed an unbeaten 68 off 51 deliveries, resulting in an unbeaten 210-run partnership.

During his innings, the South African left-hander struck 10 boundaries (fours) and an equal number of sixes, displaying his prowess as a powerful and aggressive batsman. Their partnership was even more impressive because Lucknow Super Giants did not lose a single wicket throughout the entire innings.

4. AB de Villiers | 133* runs | Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Mumbai Indians | IPL 2015

During the 2015 IPL match between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore, AB de Villiers delivered a memorable performance, scoring an impressive 133 runs off 59 balls. He partnered with Virat Kohli, who contributed 82 runs off 50 balls, forming a formidable 215-run partnership. Together, they showcased their stylish batting skills, hitting a total of 19 boundaries (fours) and 4 sixes during their innings.

This exceptional batting display played a crucial role in Royal Challengers Bangalore's victory, as they managed to secure a convincing win by 39 runs against Mumbai Indians.

5. KL Rahul | 132* runs | Kings XI Punjab vs Royal Challengers Bangalore

During IPL 2020 held in the UAE, KL Rahul, the skipper of Punjab, delivered a stellar performance by scoring an impressive 132 runs in an innings against the Bangalore team. This remarkable achievement marked the highest individual score by an Indian player in the prestigious league. Rahul's innings was characterized by aggressive stroke play, as he smashed 14 boundaries (fours) and 7 sixes during his unbeaten 69-ball innings.

Punjab posted a challenging total of 206/3 in the first innings, setting a formidable target for the opposition. Their bowlers then performed commendably, bowling out the Bangalore team for just 109 runs. Rahul’s dominant display led Punjab to a resounding 97-run victory as he remains the record holder of the highest individual score in IPL by an Indian.