The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been the stage for some of the most explosive batting displays in cricket history. While fast fifties are thrilling, the fastest centuries in IPL represent the ultimate benchmark of power-hitting dominance in T20 cricket. From Chris Gayle’s unprecedented 30-ball century that redefined aggressive batting to recent sensations like Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s remarkable 35-ball hundred, these records showcase the evolution of fearless, boundary-laden cricket.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore every record-breaking century, analyse the statistics, and provide detailed profiles of the incredible players who achieved these lightning-fast milestones.
Breakdown of the Top 10 Fastest Centuries in IPL
Before diving into the player-wise breakdown, here’s a quick look at the fastest centuries in IPL history based on official records. This list ranks performances purely by balls faced.
| Rank | Player | Balls | Opponent | Year | Venue |
| 1 | Chris Gayle | 30 | PWI | 2013 | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium |
| 2 | Vaibhav Suryavanshi | 35 | GT | 2025 | Sawai Mansingh Stadium |
| 3 | Heinrich Klaasen | 37 | KKR | 2025 | Arun Jaitley Stadium |
| 4 | Yusuf Pathan | 37 | MI | 2010 | Brabourne Stadium |
| 5 | David Miller | 38 | RCB | 2013 | IS Bindra Stadium |
| 6 | Travis Head | 39 | RCB | 2024 | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium |
| 7 | Priyansh Arya | 39 | CSK | 2025 | New PCA Stadium |
| 8 | Abhishek Sharma | 40 | PBKS | 2025 | Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium |
| 9 | Will Jacks | 41 | GT | 2024 | Narendra Modi Stadium |
| 10 | Adam Gilchrist | 42 | MI | 2008 | DY Patil Stadium |
Read More: List of Fastest Balls in Cricket History
1. Chris Gayle (RCB) – 30 Balls (2013)
Chris Gayle scored the fastest century in IPL history in just 30 balls against Pune Warriors India on April 23, 2013, at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore. Born on September 21, 1979, in Kingston, Jamaica, Gayle is widely regarded as one of the most destructive batsmen in cricket history. Known universally as the “Universe Boss,” the left-handed opening batsman made his first-class debut for Jamaica in 1998 and his ODI debut on September 11, 1999, against India.
Gayle’s IPL career has been nothing short of legendary, scoring 4,965 runs in 142 matches at an average of 39.72. His 30-ball century against Pune Warriors India in 2013 remains the fastest in IPL history and was part of his iconic 175* – the highest individual score in IPL history. That innings included 13 fours and 17 sixes, showcasing his unparalleled power-hitting ability. The big-hitting Jamaican built a career on audacity and became synonymous with T20 batting, winning two T20 World Cup trophies and multiple international T20 centuries.
2. Vaibhav Suryavanshi (RR) – 35 Balls (2025)
Vaibhav Suryavanshi scored the second-fastest century in IPL history in just 35 balls against the Gujarat Titans on April 28, 2025, at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur. Born in 2011 in Bihar, India, Suryavanshi is the youngest sensation to ever grace the IPL. Rajasthan Royals signed him at just 13 years old ahead of the 2025 season for ₹1.1 crore, making him the youngest player ever picked in the league’s history.
Suryavanshi made his IPL debut at 14 years and 23 days as an Impact Player against Lucknow Super Giants on April 19, 2025, announcing his arrival with a first-ball six off Shardul Thakur. Just nine days later, he created history by scoring 101 off 38 balls against the Gujarat Titans, becoming the youngest centurion in men’s T20 cricket. His innings featured 7 fours and 8 sixes, showcasing maturity and power-hitting ability well beyond his years. The left-handed batsman’s fearless approach and ability to dominate quality bowling attacks at such a young age have drawn comparisons to some of the game’s greatest talents.
3. Heinrich Klaasen (SRH) – 37 Balls (2025)
Heinrich Klaasen scored a 37-ball century for Sunrisers Hyderabad against Kolkata Knight Riders on May 25, 2025, at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi. Born on July 30, 1991, in Pretoria, South Africa, Klaasen is a dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman known for his explosive middle-order batting. The right-handed batsman made his international debut for South Africa in 2018 and quickly established himself as a finisher par excellence.
Klaasen has become one of the most feared T20 players in world cricket, with his ability to accelerate in the death overs and clear boundaries with minimal effort making him a sought-after player in T20 leagues worldwide. Joining Sunrisers Hyderabad, Klaasen has been instrumental in their batting lineup, providing the firepower needed in the middle overs. His 37-ball century against Kolkata Knight Riders in 2025 showcased his ability to dominate quality bowling attacks on big stages. Standing at a compact height, Klaasen’s strength lies in his exceptional hand-eye coordination and ability to pick lengths early, with a strike rate in T20 cricket consistently exceeding 160.
4. Yusuf Pathan (RR) – 37 Balls (2010)
Yusuf Pathan scored a 37-ball century for the Rajasthan Royals against the Mumbai Indians on March 13, 2010, at Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai. Born on November 17, 1982, in Baroda (Vadodara), Gujarat, Pathan is a former Indian cricketer and politician who revolutionised the role of a power-hitting all-rounder in Indian cricket. The explosive right-handed batsman and off-spin bowler made his first-class debut in 2001/02.
Pathan played a crucial role in India’s 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup victories, providing the finishing touch with his aggressive batting. In the IPL, Pathan is considered among the greats, amassing 3,204 runs at an impressive strike rate of 142.97, including one hundred and 13 fifties. His 37-ball century for Rajasthan Royals against Mumbai Indians in 2010 was a masterclass in power-hitting, featuring multiple sixes that left the opposition bowlers with no answers. Yusuf retired from international cricket on February 26, 2021, and is now a member of the Trinamool Congress political party.
5. David Miller (PBKS) – 38 Balls (2013)
David Miller scored a 38-ball century for Kings XI Punjab against Royal Challengers Bangalore on May 6, 2013, at IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali. Born on June 10, 1989, in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, Miller is a left-handed batsman known for his explosive finishing abilities and calm demeanour under pressure. Nicknamed “Killer Miller,” he has been a mainstay in South Africa’s limited-overs teams since his debut in 2010.
Miller made his IPL debut with Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) in 2012 and quickly became one of the most reliable finishers in the tournament. His ability to remain calm in pressure situations and accelerate when needed has made him invaluable in T20 cricket. His 38-ball century against Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2013 remains one of the fastest in IPL history. Miller has played over 100 IPL matches and has been a consistent performer across various franchises, with a strike rate in T20 cricket consistently exceeding 150, making him one of the most dangerous finishers in world cricket.
6. Travis Head (SRH) – 39 Balls (2024)
Travis Head scored a 39-ball century for Sunrisers Hyderabad against Royal Challengers Bangalore on April 15, 2024, at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore. Born on December 29, 1993, in Adelaide, South Australia, Head is an Australian international cricketer who represents Australia across all formats. Standing at 179cm (5’10”), Head is a left-handed batsman and right-arm off-break bowler.
Head began his IPL career with Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) back in 2015 and later joined Royal Challengers Bengaluru before finding his home at Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2024. He is an aggressive left-hander with a proven pedigree in big matches, as reflected by his match-winning centuries in the World Test Championship 2021-23 final and the 2023 ODI World Cup final. Travis joined Sunrisers Hyderabad ahead of IPL 2024 and made an immediate impact with his aggressive batting style, particularly in the powerplay overs. His 39-ball century against RCB in 2024 demonstrated his ability to dominate quality bowling attacks on challenging pitches.
7. Priyansh Arya (PBKS) – 39 Balls (2025)
Priyansh Arya scored a 39-ball century for Punjab Kings against Chennai Super Kings on April 8, 2025, at New PCA Stadium, Mohali. Born on January 18, 2001, in Delhi, Arya is a young Indian left-handed batsman who has emerged as one of the most exciting talents in domestic cricket. The 22-year-old represents Delhi in domestic cricket and plays for Punjab Kings in the IPL.
Arya made his first-class debut for Delhi in the 2019-20 Ranji Trophy and quickly made a name for himself with consistent performances. His ability to play long innings while maintaining a healthy strike rate caught the attention of IPL scouts. Punjab Kings acquired him for his potential to develop into a top-order batsman, and he repaid their faith with a stunning 39-ball century against Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025. The innings featured aggressive stroke play and mature decision-making beyond his years. Arya’s rise represents the new generation of Indian batsmen who combine traditional technique with modern power-hitting abilities.
8. Abhishek Sharma (SRH) – 40 Balls (2025)
Abhishek Sharma scored a 40-ball century for Sunrisers Hyderabad against Punjab Kings on September 4, 2000, at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad. Born on September 15, 2000, in Amritsar, Punjab, Sharma is a left-handed all-rounder who represents Punjab in domestic cricket and Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League. Standing at 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm), Abhishek is known for his aggressive batting and handy left-arm orthodox spin.
Abhishek made his IPL debut with Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in 2018 but was later bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he has become a major player. Given an extended run as an opener from IPL 2022 onwards, he has amassed runs at a strike rate exceeding 167, redefining aggressive batting in the powerplay. In IPL 2025 auctions, he was retained by Sunrisers Hyderabad for ₹14 crore, reflecting his value to the franchise. Abhishek became the number one-ranked men’s T20I batter in 2025, showcasing his rise as one of India’s most exciting young talents. His 40-ball century against the Punjab Kings in 2025 featured aggressive stroke play and demonstrated his ability to dominate bowling attacks from the first ball.
9. Will Jacks (RCB) – 41 Balls (2024)
Will Jacks scored a 41-ball century for Royal Challengers Bangalore against Gujarat Titans on April 28, 2024, at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. Born on November 21, 1998, in Chertsey, Surrey, England, Jacks is an English cricketer who plays as a right-handed batsman and right-arm off-break bowler. The 26-year-old has emerged as one of England’s most exciting white-ball talents.
Jack made his first-class debut for Surrey in 2017 and quickly made a name for himself with aggressive batting and useful off-spin bowling. His ability to score quickly and provide breakthroughs with the ball made him a valuable asset in county cricket. He joined Royal Challengers Bangalore and made an immediate impact with his aggressive approach. His 41-ball century against the Gujarat Titans in IPL 2024 showcased his ability to dominate quality bowling attacks on big stages. Jack’s all-round capabilities and aggressive batting style make him a valuable asset in T20 cricket, with a strike rate consistently exceeding 160.
10. Adam Gilchrist (DC) – 42 Balls (2008)
Adam Gilchrist scored a 42-ball century for Deccan Chargers against Mumbai Indians on April 27, 2008, at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai. Born on November 14, 1971, in Bellingen, New South Wales, Australia, Gilchrist is a former Australian international cricketer and former captain of the Australian national team. Known as “Gilly,” he is widely regarded as one of the greatest wicketkeeper-batsmen in cricket history.
Gilchrist revolutionised the role of a wicketkeeper-batsman with his aggressive batting approach. He made his ODI debut in 1996 and his Test debut in 1999, becoming a mainstay in the Australian team for over a decade. In the inaugural IPL season in 2008, Gilchrist was signed by the Deccan Chargers. His 42-ball century against the Mumbai Indians in 2008 was the fastest century in IPL history at that time and set the tone for aggressive batting in the tournament. Gilchrist’s ability to dominate bowling attacks from the first ball and his exceptional wicketkeeping skills made him one of the most valuable players in cricket history. He retired from international cricket in 2008 but continued playing in the IPL, leaving behind a legacy of aggressive, entertaining cricket.
Conclusion
The fastest centuries in IPL history highlight how T20 cricket has evolved into a format driven by aggressive and fearless batting. From Chris Gayle’s iconic 30-ball hundred to recent explosive knocks, these innings showcase the rising scoring standards in the league. They also reflect the mix of experienced stars and emerging talents redefining modern batting. With players constantly pushing boundaries and adapting new strategies, the fastest IPL century record remains under threat and could be broken again in the upcoming seasons.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Chris Gayle holds the record for the fastest century in IPL history, scoring it in just 30 balls for RCB against Pune Warriors India in 2013.
Rohit Sharma is popularly known as the “Hitman” in IPL and international cricket due to his effortless big-hitting ability and multiple match-winning innings.
Sahil Chauhan holds the record for the fastest T20 century, scoring 100 in just 27 balls against Cyprus in 2024. However, this record is not in the IPL. In IPL history, the fastest century remains Chris Gayle’s 30-ball hundred.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi is the youngest player to score a century in IPL history, achieving the milestone at just 14 years and 23 days old in 2025.
Chris Gayle’s 30-ball century had a strike rate of 333.33 during the century phase, the highest among all fastest centuries in IPL history.
