At the start of this century, not many would have believed that it is possible to score centuries in a game where a team only bats for 120 deliveries. But the Indian Premier League has given us loads of tons, most of which have come at an astonishing strike rate.
Incidentally, the very first IPL century was struck in the very first game of IPL, by former New Zealand batsman Brendon McCullum. The stage was set back then, and the likes of Chris Gayles, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma’s have carried it forward. Let us have a look at which IPL teams have got most hundreds and which one has the least:
1. Royal Challengers Bangalore – 13
Though Royal Challengers Bangalore might have never lifted the trophy, they have always possessed superb batting lineups. While it was the then superstars Jacques Kallis and Rahul Dravid in their early days, the baton is now passed on to Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers & Co. With 13 centuries, they are sitting on top of our list. 5 of those 11 are scored by their skipper Virat Kohli. South African veteran AB de Villiers has scored two centuries, while ‘Universe Boss’ Chris Gayle has also scored five. Manish Pandey is the other player to have scored a century for Royal Challengers Bangalore.
2. Kings XI Punjab – 11
A rather unfortunate pattern might well form here, as Kings XI Punjab are another team that has boasted of superb batting units throughout the years, but have never managed to get their hands on the trophy. With 11 centuries, they are narrowly behind RCB on this front. Their current skipper KL Rahul has scored one century for them. Interestingly, Hashim Amla is the only player to have scored two centuries for KXIP. Virender Sehwag, Paul Valthaty, Wriddhiman Saha, Mahela Jayawardene, Adam Gilchrist, Chris Gayle and David Miller are the others who registered a ton while donning the red of KXIP.
3. Chennai Super Kings – 8
The pattern is broken here, as Chennai Super Kings is a team which has produced great batting displays and has also won trophies. With 3 IPL triumphs, they are one of the most successful teams of the competition. They have had 8 centuries so far. Murali Vijay and Shane Watson have each scored two centuries for CSK. Michael Hussey, Suresh Raina, Brendon McCullum are the other four who have repeated the feat.
4. Delhi Capitals – 8
Tied with CSK on centuries are Delhi Capitals, who happen to be another side with no trophies to boast of. With the likes of Virender Sehwag, David Warner, AB de Villiers are Kevin Pietersen all being a part of the side at some point in their career, it is very obvious as to why they appear higher on this list. David Warner is the only player to have scored two centuries for DC. The rest six centurions are – Virender Sehwag, Quinton de Kock, Rishabh Pant, Kevin Pietersen, AB de Villiers and Sanju Samson.
5. Rajasthan Royals – 6
Rajasthan Royals are known f\or unearthing hidden talents and giving them a chance to showcase their talent in front of millions. This can be understood by looking at the players who have scored a century for them. 2 of their 6 centuries are by Sanju Samson, while one came from a very young Yusuf Pathan. Another Indian batsman in former skipper Ajinkya Rahane has got two centuries for the Royals. Australian all-rounder Shane Watson scored the other one.
6. Mumbai Indians – 4
Mumbai Indians’ total number of centuries perfectly synchronizes with the number of IPL trophies they have won – 4. Their first century came in the very first year, from the bat of legendary Sanath Jayasuriya. The other who repeated that feat are Sachin Tendulkar, Rohit Sharma and Lendl Simmons.
7. Sunrisers Hyderabad – 3
Sunrisers Hyderabad have had some great batting displays over the years, but they only have three centuries to show for. The first came from the bat of Australian David Warner, back in 2017. The remaining two came in the same match, against Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2019. Warner and Jonny Bairstow were the batters.
8. Kolkata Knight Riders – 1
Ironically, the team which started out the trend of IPL centuries, have never managed to get a ton after that Brendom McCullum carnage in 2008. The likes of Dinesh Karthik, Manish Pandey and Chris Lynn have all come close, but none have managed to reach a three-figure total.
