Top 8 Fastest Hundreds in IPL History (Updated 2025)

There are few moments in cricket as electrifying as a batsman racing towards a hundred in a T20 match. The Indian Premier League, known for its drama and star power, has produced some of the fastest centuries ever seen in world cricket. These lightning knocks redefine what is possible in a 20-over game, turning matches into unforgettable spectacles.

In simple terms, a “fastest hundred” refers to the number of balls faced before a player reaches three figures. It captures the purest form of T20 aggression and precision — power, timing, and fearlessness condensed into a short stretch of overs.

The IPL’s fastest hundreds list is not static. As each season unfolds, new names join the legends who have blazed their way into history. The 2025 edition of the tournament has once again rewritten the leaderboard, adding fresh records to a list once dominated by pioneers like Chris Gayle and Yusuf Pathan.

In this article, we explore the top eight fastest hundreds in IPL history as of 2025, the stories behind each, and what these achievements reveal about the evolution of batting in modern T20 cricket.

The Metric: Measuring Fastest IPL Centuries

In cricket statistics, the speed of a century is measured by balls faced — the number of legal deliveries a batter receives before reaching 100 runs. This metric is more accurate than time or overs because it accounts for the batter’s actual opportunities.

For example, two players may score hundreds within the same number of overs, but one might face fewer balls due to strike rotation or extras. Balls faced isolates personal impact from external factors.

It is also important to note that only complete, valid innings count. If a player retires hurt or the innings end before the hundred is officially completed, it does not qualify as a recorded century.

The data for these records is maintained by official IPL scoring databases and cricket statistics sites such as ESPNcricinfo, ensuring reliability and consistency across seasons.

Overview: The Evolution of Fast Hundreds

The early years of the IPL (2008 to 2011) featured big scores, but centuries were usually measured, strategic efforts rather than explosive sprints. The T20 format was still maturing, and most batsmen balanced risk with caution.

As the league grew, batting evolved. Power-hitting techniques, improved bat design, and specialised training transformed how players approached their innings. Batters like Chris Gayle, AB de Villiers, and David Miller turned the art of acceleration into a science.

By the late 2010s, scores of 200-plus became common, and players began to chase faster milestones. The IPL’s middle years (2015 to 2020) saw a new breed of fearless openers and finishers who viewed 100 runs off 40 balls as a realistic target.

The 2020s have pushed this even further. The rise of younger Indian players, global T20 specialists, and ultra-aggressive team strategies has resulted in a string of breathtaking hundreds. By 2025, the league’s fastest hundreds chart reflects not only speed but the broader evolution of batting philosophy.

The Top 8 Fastest IPL Hundreds (Updated 2025)

Here are the eight fastest centuries in IPL history, ranked by the number of balls faced. Each entry includes the score, opponent, venue, and the story behind the innings that made headlines.

1. Chris Gayle — 30 balls (175* vs Pune Warriors India, Bengaluru, 2013)

No record in IPL history carries as much weight as Chris Gayle’s 175 not out for Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2013. Gayle’s century came in just 30 balls, the fastest in the IPL and in professional T20 cricket overall.

Batting against Pune Warriors at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Gayle’s innings was a storm of boundaries. He hit 13 fours and 17 sixes, turning bowlers into spectators. RCB ended on 263 for 5, one of the highest team totals ever recorded.

Gayle’s knock was not just a display of power; it was controlled chaos, timed aggression, and pure entertainment. More than a decade later, it still stands unchallenged at the top.

2. Vaibhav Suryavanshi — 35 balls (101* vs Gujarat Titans, Jaipur, 2025)

The 2025 IPL season witnessed a breakout moment when Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a young Indian batsman, smashed a hundred in only 35 balls. Playing for Rajasthan, he announced himself to the cricketing world with a fearless exhibition of hitting against the Gujarat Titans.

His innings combined classic timing with modern aggression. He attacked from the start, taking on both pace and spin with equal ease. His 101 not out included a flurry of boundaries in the final overs that lifted his team to a commanding total.

Suryavanshi’s performance instantly made him one of the youngest players to score one of the fastest hundreds in IPL history.

3. Heinrich Klaasen — 37 balls (105* vs Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi, 2025)

Another 2025 entry into the record books came from South Africa’s Heinrich Klaasen, representing Sunrisers Hyderabad. Known for his ability to dominate spin and accelerate late in an innings, Klaasen reached his hundred in just 37 balls against Kolkata Knight Riders.

The innings was built around smart targeting of bowlers. Klaasen rotated early, then exploded in the final ten overs, taking advantage of fielding restrictions. His clean striking and composure under pressure turned the match decisively in Hyderabad’s favour.

It was a reminder that power alone does not define speed; precision and clarity of thought are equally important.

4. Yusuf Pathan — 37 balls (100 vs Mumbai Indians, Mumbai, 2010)

Before T20 batting became what it is today, Yusuf Pathan delivered one of the earliest examples of raw power in the IPL. Playing for the Rajasthan Royals in 2010, he reached his century in 37 balls against the Mumbai Indians.

Chasing a massive total, Pathan’s counterattack nearly pulled off the impossible. His innings included boundaries to every part of the ground, and for a time, he made the chase look achievable single-handedly.

Though Rajasthan eventually lost, Pathan’s effort became a reference point for what Indian power-hitting could achieve in the format.

5. David Miller — 38 balls (101* vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, Mohali, 2013)

David Miller’s 2013 century for Kings XI Punjab remains one of the most memorable chases in IPL history. Coming in at a difficult situation, Miller turned the game on its head by scoring a hundred off just 38 balls.

His clean hitting dismantled RCB’s bowling attack, and the crowd in Mohali witnessed an innings that blended grace with brutality. The phrase “if it’s in the arc, it’s out of the park” became synonymous with Miller’s approach that night.

The innings not only sealed a remarkable win but also cemented his reputation as one of the most dangerous finishers in world cricket.

6. Priyansh Arya — 39 balls (103 vs Chennai Super Kings, 2025)

Priyansh Arya’s 2025 season for Lucknow Super Giants was already impressive, but his 39-ball hundred against Chennai Super Kings elevated him to national attention. His timing, placement, and use of angles stood out as much as his power.

Facing a world-class attack, Arya stayed composed and attacked calculatedly. His acceleration between 50 and 100 was particularly remarkable, achieved in just 14 balls.

This innings tied him with another quick century in the same range and added yet another Indian name to the list of fastest IPL tons.

7. Travis Head — 39 balls (100 vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, Hyderabad, 2024)

Travis Head’s 2024 century came during one of the most explosive batting displays of that season. Representing Sunrisers Hyderabad, he dominated from ball one, using his powerful cut shots and clean drives to decimate the RCB bowlers.

Reaching his century in 39 balls, Head showcased the new aggressive mindset that defines modern openers. His partnership with Abhishek Sharma that day also set up one of the highest totals in IPL history.

This innings reinforced the Sunrisers’ reputation as one of the most aggressive batting sides in the competition.

8. Will Jacks — 41 balls (100* vs Gujarat Titans, Bengaluru, 2024)

Completing the top eight is Will Jacks, who hammered a 41-ball hundred for Royal Challengers Bangalore against Gujarat Titans in 2024. His innings was a masterclass in power-hitting combined with placement.

Jacks accelerated sharply after a steady start, moving from 50 to 100 in just 16 balls. His dominance against both spin and pace demonstrated the flexibility of his stroke play.

It was yet another addition to RCB’s proud tradition of hosting record-breaking batting feats at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Patterns and Insights from the Top 8

When analysing the top eight fastest hundreds, several clear patterns emerge.

Era Distribution: Out of the eight, five have come in the last three years. This reflects how the modern IPL encourages fearless batting through flatter pitches and aggressive team philosophies.

Venue Trends: The majority of these centuries were scored at high-scoring venues such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Mohali. Smaller boundaries and true pitches play a major role in enabling rapid acceleration.

Innings Context: Most fast hundreds occurred in the first innings, allowing batsmen to attack freely without scoreboard pressure. However, Pathan and Miller proved that chasing can also inspire remarkable aggression.

Acceleration Phases: For nearly all entries, the biggest surge came between 50 and 100. Gayle’s leap from 50 to 100 took just 13 balls, while Arya and Klaasen achieved similar bursts.

Player Profiles: The list is dominated by naturally aggressive stroke-makers — a mix of overseas power-hitters and emerging Indian talents who have grown up in the T20 era.

Spotlight on the New Entrants

The 2025 IPL season injected new life into the fastest hundreds leaderboard, thanks to remarkable innings from emerging stars.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s 35-ball century stood out not only for its speed but for his composure at a young age. It proved that home-grown Indian players could match the explosiveness once reserved for global icons.

Heinrich Klaasen’s entry confirmed his evolution from a specialist middle-order batter into one of the most lethal finishers in the league. His ability to read spin and pick length early allowed him to accelerate like few others.

Priyansh Arya’s innings reflected the next phase of Indian batting development — technically sound players who combine finesse with pure power. His 39-ball hundred was not just fast but sophisticated, showing maturity beyond his years.

These performances highlight how the IPL continues to unearth talent capable of redefining the boundaries of batting speed.

Future Contenders and Possibilities

As T20 cricket evolves, the prospect of someone breaking Chris Gayle’s 30-ball record no longer seems impossible.

Players such as Jos Buttler, Nicholas Pooran, KL Rahul, and Will Jacks possess both the technique and intent to challenge that barrier. With advancing bat technology, improved fitness, and increasingly aggressive field settings, the 29-ball century may soon become a reality.

The combination of flat pitches, powerplays, and the fearless attitude of today’s batters means that boundaries are now routine rather than rare. If conditions align perfectly, a new record could easily emerge in the next few seasons.

Record-Keeping and Debates

Tracking the fastest centuries is not without challenges. Variations in data collection can occur, especially when considering matches interrupted by weather or shortened innings. Occasionally, discrepancies appear between official lists, particularly regarding ties or incomplete innings.

Another point of discussion is whether to include centuries from retired-hurt situations or abandoned games. While such cases are rare, clarity from official statisticians ensures consistency.

Despite these nuances, the top eight list as of 2025 represents a reliable snapshot of official IPL history, combining verified statistics with context.

The Broader Meaning of Fast IPL Centuries

Beyond statistics, fast hundreds tell a deeper story about the spirit of T20 cricket. They represent boldness, innovation, and adaptability.

For fans, these innings are pure entertainment — the moments that make stadiums erupt and social media explode with highlights. For teams, they are tactical gold, showing how a single player’s burst of brilliance can decide a match within minutes.

From a strategic standpoint, fast centuries influence team composition. Franchises now build line-ups with multiple high-strike-rate batters, preferring aggression from ball one. Bowlers must respond with creativity and courage, learning to survive in a format that rarely forgives error.

These innings also inspire future generations. Young cricketers around the world watch these performances and believe that nothing is impossible with preparation and self-belief.

Conclusion: The Updated 2025 Leaderboard

As of the 2025 IPL season, the top eight fastest hundreds are:

1. Rank	Player	Balls to Reach 100	Final Score	Team	Opponent	Venue	Season / Year	Match Context & Highlights
   1	Chris Gayle	30 balls	175* (66 balls)	Royal Challengers Bangalore	Pune Warriors India	M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru	2013	The most iconic innings in IPL and T20 history. Gayle’s 175* included 13 fours and 17 sixes, setting multiple records for the fastest hundred and highest team total (263/5).
   2	Vaibhav Suryavanshi	35 balls	101* (47 balls)	Rajasthan Royals	Gujarat Titans	Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur	2025	Breakout star of 2025. Combined timing and aggression to reach a 35-ball ton, becoming one of the youngest players to achieve the feat.
   3	Heinrich Klaasen	37 balls	105* (49 balls)	Sunrisers Hyderabad	Kolkata Knight Riders	Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi	2025	Displayed superb control against spin and pace, accelerating from 50 to 100 in just 15 balls. Defined the middle-order power-hitting era of IPL 2025.
   4	Yusuf Pathan	37 balls	100 (37 balls)	Rajasthan Royals	Mumbai Indians	Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai	2010	One of the earliest examples of Indian power-hitting. Pathan’s whirlwind hundred nearly chased down a huge target, setting the tone for future IPL aggression.
   5	David Miller	38 balls	101* (38 balls)	Kings XI Punjab	Royal Challengers Bangalore	PCA Stadium, Mohali	2013	A legendary chase inning. Miller turned the game on its head with clean, fearless hitting. Famous for the line “If it’s in the arc, it’s out of the park.”
   6	Priyansh Arya	39 balls	103 (43 balls)	Lucknow Super Giants	Chennai Super Kings	Ekana Stadium, Lucknow	2025	Rising Indian talent who mixed timing and placement with raw power. Reached his hundred in 39 balls against a strong CSK bowling unit.
   7	Travis Head	39 balls	102 (41 balls)	Sunrisers Hyderabad	Royal Challengers Bangalore	Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad	2024	Explosive top-order knock that defined Sunrisers’ 2024 dominance. His 39-ball ton powered one of the highest team totals in IPL history.
   8	Will Jacks	41 balls	100* (41 balls)	Royal Challengers Bangalore	Gujarat Titans	M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru	2024	Blended aggression with composure. Accelerated sharply from 50 to 100 in 16 balls. Another example of RCB’s long history of record-breaking innings at home.

This updated list shows how the game continues to evolve. The new generation of players has proven that blazing speed is no longer limited to legends of the past.

Each century on this list captures a moment when skill, power, and opportunity aligned perfectly. Together, they tell the story of how the IPL has pushed cricket to new heights of entertainment and athletic brilliance.

And while Chris Gayle’s 30-ball masterpiece still reigns supreme, the rapid rise of young talent in 2025 suggests that the next record-breaking innings may be just around the corner.