The Indian Premier League (IPL) has redefined T20 cricket with its electrifying pace and unrelenting aggression, nowhere more evident than in the record-breaking exploits of its fastest centurions. The shortest format of the game demands audacity, and its batters have responded with a fearless brand of cricket, smashing boundaries and clearing stadiums with jaw-dropping regularity. Flat pitches, small boundaries, and a carnival-like atmosphere fuel this run-scoring frenzy, while the stakes of big-money contracts and global stardom push players to their limits. From Chris Gayle’s monstrous 175* to Yusuf Pathan’s blistering 100, these innings showcase a shift in T20 philosophy—where caution is discarded, and every ball is an opportunity to dominate. Check out a list of the fastest centurions in the IPL 2025.
From Chris Gayle to Travis Head: 7 Fastest Centurions in IPL History
Chris Gayle – 30 Balls
For Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2013
Chris Gayle’s 30-ball century against Pune Warriors India on April 23, 2013, remains the fastest in IPL history. Playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Gayle unleashed a brutal assault, finishing unbeaten on 175 off 66 balls. His innings included 13 fours and 17 sixes, setting the record for the highest individual IPL score. Gayle reached his hundred in just 30 deliveries, dismantling bowlers like Ashok Dinda and Bhuvneshwar Kumar with ease. The knock propelled RCB to 263/5, the highest team total in IPL at the time. Pune Warriors crumbled to 133/9, handing RCB a 130-run victory. Gayle’s explosive performance redefined T20 batting, blending power and precision, and remains a benchmark for aggression in the league.
Yusuf Pathan – 37 Balls
For Rajasthan Royals in 2010
Yusuf Pathan’s 37-ball century for Rajasthan Royals against Mumbai Indians, at Brabourne Stadium is the fastest by an Indian in IPL history. Chasing 212, Pathan walked in at 47/2 and launched a brutal counterattack, scoring 100 off 37 balls with 9 fours and 8 sixes, before getting run out. Despite his heroics, RR fell short at 208/7, losing by 4 runs.
David Miller – 38 Balls
For Punjab Kings in 2013
David Miller’s 38-ball century propelled Punjab Kings to a terrific victory over Royal Challengers Bangalore and cemented his reputation as one of the most destructive batters. Chasing 190, Punjab Kings were reeling at 64/4 when Miller took charge, and scored an unbeaten 101 off 38 balls, laced with 8 fours and 7 sixes. Miller’s power-hitting clinched a 6-wicket win with 14 balls to spare. This innings gave him the moniker of “Killer Miller".
Travis Head – 39 Balls
For Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2024
Travis Head turned up the notch last season, and scored a 39-ball century against Royal Challengers Bangalore at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Head smashed 102 off 41 balls, including 9 fours and 8 sixes, helping SRH post 287/3—the highest IPL total at the time. His hundred came in 39 balls, and his aggressive intent set the tone alongside Abhishek Sharma/ This knock highlighted Head’s adaptability to T20 cricket, blending timing with brute force.
Will Jacks – 41 Balls
For Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2024
Will Jacks scored a remarkable century off just 41 balls for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in their match against Gujarat Titans on April 28, 2024, at Narendra Modi Stadium. Chasing a target of 201 runs, Jacks entered the crease at 40 for 1 and, forged a 166-run partnership with Virat Kohli, to change the course of the game. His unbeaten 100 included 5 fours and 10 sixes.
Adam Gilchrist – 42 Balls
For Deccan Chargers in 2008
In the inaugural season of the IPL, Adam Gilchrist, playing for the now-defunct franchise Deccan Chargers, smashed a century in just 42 balls, against Mumbai Indians. With just 155 to chase, Gilchrist came with all guns blazing, smashing 109* off 47 balls, with 9 fours and 10 sixes. His hundred came in 42 balls, dismantling MI’s attack, including Shaun Pollock. This innings remains a nostalgic highlight, reflecting the league’s nascent excitement and Gilchrist’s ability to dominate bowlers with timing and power.
AB de Villiers – 43 Balls
For Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2016
Batting first against Gujarat Lions, Royal Challengers Bangalore lost an early wicket of Chris Gayle, but that did not stop AB de Villiers from playing his aggressive game. He scored a 43-ball century and remained unbeaten on 129, propelling RCB to 248/3. GL crumbled to 104, losing by 144 runs. De Villiers’ 360-degree strokeplay epitomized his “Mr. 360” nickname, showcasing audacious shots like reverse sweeps and lofted cover drives.
