The record for the highest individual score in IPL history belongs to West Indian star Chris Gayle. He scored 175 not out off just 66 balls for Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Pune Warriors India in IPL 2013. This performance still holds the record for the highest individual T20 score in the league.
Several other players have also delivered impressive innings, including Brendon McCullum with 158*, Quinton de Kock with 140*, and Abhishek Sharma, who scored 141 in the recent IPL 2025 edition against the Punjab Kings.
This article looks at the top individual scores in IPL history and showcases the most explosive and memorable moments in the league.
Top 10 Highest Individual Scores in IPL
The Indian Premier League has always been a stage for individual batting brilliance. In its rich history of 18 seasons, it has witnessed memorable high-scoring innings from world-class batters as well as emerging young talents.
Below is a list of the top 10 highest individual scores in a single IPL innings so far.
| Player | Runs | 4s | 6s | Team | Opponent | Match Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Gayle | 175* | 13 | 17 | RCB | PW | 23 April 2013 |
| Brendon McCullum | 158* | 10 | 13 | KKR | RCB | 18 April 2008 |
| Abhishek Sharma | 141 | 14 | 10 | SRH | PBKS | 12 April 2025 |
| Quinton de Kock | 140* | 10 | 10 | LSG | KKR | 18 May 2022 |
| AB de Villiers | 133* | 19 | 4 | RCB | MI | 10 May 2015 |
| KL Rahul | 132* | 14 | 7 | Kings XI | RCB | 24 September 2020 |
| AB de Villiers | 129* | 10 | 12 | RCB | GL | 14 May 2016 |
| Shubman Gill | 129 | 7 | 10 | GT | MI | 26 May 2023 |
| Chris Gayle | 128* | 7 | 13 | RCB | DC | 17 May 2012 |
| Rishabh Pant | 128* | 15 | 7 | DD | SRH | 10 May 2018 |
Let’s take a look at how these innings unfolded in their respective matches and entertained the spectators.
1. Chris Gayle – 175* for RCB vs Pune Warriors (23 April 2013)
Chris Gayle scored the highest individual total in IPL history with an amazing 175 not out off 66 balls for Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Pune Warriors India on 23 April 2013. He hit 13 fours and 17 sixes, overpowering the bowlers from the very beginning.
Gayle’s innings showcased pure aggression and timing. He took advantage of bad deliveries and easily cleared the boundaries. This remarkable performance helped RCB set a huge score and still stands as an unmatched record in the league’s long history.
2. Brendon McCullum – 158* for KKR vs RCB (18 April 2008)
In the very first IPL match on 18 April 2008, Brendon McCullum announced T20 cricket’s arrival with 158 not out off 73 balls for Kolkata Knight Riders against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. His fiery start set the tone for the entire tournament.
McCullum attacked from the first ball, hitting boundaries and sixes with fearless intent. His innings was a blend of power and timing, electrifying the crowd and setting a high‑run benchmark that stood for years.
3. Abhishek Sharma – 141 for SRH vs PBKS (12 April 2025)
Abhishek Sharma scored 141 runs off 55 balls for Sunrisers Hyderabad against Punjab Kings on 12 April 2025. This made him the highest individual scorer by an Indian in IPL history and the third-highest overall. He hit many boundaries while leading his team in a thrilling chase.
His century came quickly, and Abhishek welcomed the bowlers with his power and timing. This exciting innings played a crucial role in one of the highest successful chases in IPL history, showcasing his fearless batting on a big stage.
4. Quinton de Kock – 140* for LSG vs KKR (18 May 2022)
Quinton de Kock scored 140 runs not out off 70 balls for Lucknow Super Giants against Kolkata Knight Riders on 18 May 2022. His innings featured smooth drives and strong hits, helping LSG reach a huge total.
De Kock combined his focus with smart aggression. He took advantage of poor deliveries and ensured the scoreboard kept moving. His performance was crucial for the team’s overall score and stands out in IPL batting history.
5. AB de Villiers – 133* for RCB vs MI (10 May 2015)
AB de Villiers played one of his most memorable IPL knocks when he scored 133 not out off 59 balls for Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Mumbai Indians on 10 May 2015. His innings was full of inventive shots and big hits.
De Villiers’ mastery of the game was on display, as he dispatched bowlers to all parts of the ground. His quick acceleration and ability to clear boundaries under pressure made this innings especially thrilling for fans.
6. KL Rahul – 132* for PBKS vs RCB (24 September 2020)
KL Rahul scored 132 not out off 69 balls for Punjab Kings against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Dubai International Stadium. He combined patience with power, building his innings steadily before unleashing big shots in the latter stages.
Rahul’s knock was a masterclass considering a T20 innings — rotating strike early and accelerating when needed. His performance was one of the most consistent and powerful displays of batting in the 2020 IPL season.
7. AB de Villiers – 129* for RCB vs Gujarat Lions (14 May 2016)
AB de Villiers showcased sheer dominance with 129 not out off 52 balls for Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Gujarat Lions. The innings came at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, where he unleashed an array of powerful and inventive shots, putting bowlers under constant pressure.
His knock was a brilliant mix of clean hitting and quick running between the wickets, helping RCB post a huge total and thrilling fans with his effortless aggression and timing.
8. Shubman Gill – 129 for GT vs Mumbai Indians (26 May 2023)
Shubman Gill scored 129 runs off 60 balls for the Gujarat Titans against the Mumbai Indians. He delivered this memorable innings at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, combining elegance with power as he hit big boundaries and capitalized on loose deliveries.
Gill’s controlled aggression and smart shot selection helped keep his team in charge throughout the innings. It was one of his best performances, showing maturity and courage against top-notch bowling in a high-pressure IPL match.
9. Chris Gayle – 128* for RCB vs Delhi Daredevils (17 May 2012)
Chris Gayle, the Universe Boss, scored 128 not out off 62 balls for Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Delhi Daredevils at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi. Even below his 175*, this innings was packed with big hitting and dominant sixes.
Gayle’s powerful stroke play and timing gave bowlers few answers, as he cleared boundaries with authority. His ability to intimidate attacks made this one of the most feared and entertaining knocks in IPL history.
10. Rishabh Pant – 128* for Delhi Daredevils vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (10 May 2018)
Rishabh Pant showcased his aggressive batting by scoring 128 not out off 63 balls for Delhi Daredevils against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. He attacked from the start, hitting the ball around the field with confident intent.
Pant’s skill in increasing the pace and consistently clearing the boundary put pressure on the bowlers, allowing his team to set a solid total. This performance remains one of the most thrilling by a wicketkeeper-batter in IPL history.
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Conclusion: Chris Gayle’s 175* vs Pune Remains the Highest IPL Individual Score!
Chris Gayle’s 175* for Royal Challengers Bengaluru is still the highest individual score in IPL history. This record continues to amaze fans around the world. His innings set a standard for power-hitting in T20 cricket and showed the excitement the IPL brings to the game.
Players like Brendon McCullum, Abhishek Sharma, and Quinton de Kock have also delivered remarkable innings. They prove that the league consistently offers thrilling performances from both experienced players and young talents. Each innings adds to the excitement and drama of the IPL.
These top scores show how much impact one player can have in a match. The IPL is a platform where batters can create unforgettable moments and break records, keeping fans eagerly watching every season.
