Slowest Century in IPL History
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is famous for its fast-paced batting and high scores, where batsmen often hit quick centuries. But not every century in the tournament has been scored at lightning speed. Some of the most respected players have had to take their time, especially when facing tough conditions or strong bowling attacks. Here, we’ll focus on the slowest centuries in IPL history, where batsmen had to work hard and fight their way to reach the three-figure mark.
IPL’s Slowest Century: Know Who Took Most Balls to Reach 100 Runs
The record for the slowest century in the history of IPL is shared by two players—Virat Kohli and Manish Pandey—who both took 67 balls to reach their milestone. These knocks were the result of tough conditions and tricky bowling attacks, which made it difficult for the batsmen to find their usual rhythm.
Top 5 Slowest Centuries in IPL
1. Virat Kohli – 67 Balls vs Rajasthan Royals, 2024
In the 2024 IPL season, Virat Kohli crafted one of the slowest centuries in IPL history, taking 67 balls to reach the three-figure mark against Rajasthan Royals. Despite his century, Kohli was criticized for his slow strike rate as his team, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), lost the match. Kohli eventually finished with an unbeaten 113 off 72 balls, hitting 12 boundaries and 4 sixes.
- Score: 113*
- Balls for century: 67
- Venue: Jaipur
- Date: 2024
2. Manish Pandey – 67 Balls vs Deccan Chargers, 2009
Manish Pandey became the first Indian cricketer to score a century in the IPL when he reached 100 runs in 67 balls against Deccan Chargers during the 2009 season. Playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore, Pandey’s knock of 114 off 73 balls included 10 boundaries and 4 sixes.
- Score: 114
- Balls for century: 67
- Venue: Centurion
- Date: 2009
3. Sachin Tendulkar – 66 Balls vs Kochi Tuskers Kerala, 2011
Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar also finds a spot on the list, having scored a century in 66 balls against Kochi Tuskers Kerala in 2011. Tendulkar, opening the innings for Mumbai Indians, remained unbeaten on 100, but his slow knock couldn’t help Mumbai secure a victory as Kochi chased down the total successfully.
- Score: 100*
- Balls for century: 66
- Venue: Mumbai
- Date: 2011
4. David Warner – 66 Balls vs Kolkata Knight Riders, 2010
David Warner, known for his aggressive batting, surprised many when he took 66 balls to reach his century against Kolkata Knight Riders while playing for Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in 2010. Warner’s unbeaten knock of 107 runs included 9 fours and 5 sixes, helping his team post a competitive total. Despite the slow pace of his century, Warner’s performance proved to be match-winning.
- Score: 107*
- Balls for century: 66
- Venue: Delhi
- Date: 2010
5. Jos Buttler – 66 Balls vs Mumbai Indians, 2022
Englishman Jos Buttler took 66 balls to score a century against Mumbai Indians during the 2022 IPL season. Opening the innings for Rajasthan Royals, Buttler’s century was part of his remarkable run in that season, where he went on to win the Orange Cap for the most runs scored. His innings helped Rajasthan post a competitive total, and while it was a slow knock, Buttler’s experience and power-hitting in the later stages sealed the win for his team.
- Score: 100
- Balls for century: 66
- Venue: Navi Mumbai
- Date: 2022
Slowest Tons in Indian Premier League Listed
Apart from the top five slowest centuries, other notable names also feature in the slowest tons in Indian Premier League history. Players like Kevin Pietersen, KL Rahul, and Ambati Rayudu have also taken their time to reach the 100-run mark, highlighting that patience and adaptability are often required in the fast-paced T20 format.
FAQs
Q1: Who scored the slowest century in IPL history?
A: The slowest century in IPL history is jointly held by Virat Kohli and Manish Pandey, both taking 67 balls to reach 100 runs.
Q2: Which other players have scored slow centuries in IPL?
A: Apart from Kohli and Pandey, other players with slow centuries include Sachin Tendulkar, David Warner, Jos Buttler, and Kevin Pietersen.
Q3: How long did Virat Kohli take to score his slowest century in IPL?
A: Virat Kohli took 67 balls to score his slowest century in IPL, which he achieved against Rajasthan Royals in 2024.
Q4: Who took 66 balls to score a century in IPL?
A: Sachin Tendulkar, David Warner, and Jos Buttler each took 66 balls to score their centuries in IPL.
