Top 10 Slowest Centuries in IPL History (From 2008-2025)

IPL has always been a game where sixes rain down, strike rates soar past 200 and batsmen can turn a match around in just one over. However, despite all the blazing pace, centuries have often been scored with a determined determination. These innings may not have set the stage ablaze with strike rates, but they showed another side of T20 cricket.

While we often celebrate the fastest centuries of players like Chris and Yusuf, there is another side to the coin. Back then, those centuries took time to come. Slow centuries may not seem characteristic of the high-octane nature of IPL. But they often came in situations where bowlers were dominant, or teams needed stability rather than aggression.

Let’s Take a Detailed Look At The Top 10 Slowest Centuries in IPL History (2008-2025).

1. Manish Pandey (114* off 73 Balls Against Deccan Chargers, 2009)

• Team: Royal Challengers Bangalore
• 67 off 100: balls
• Venue: Centurion

In the 2009 IPL, a young Pandey created history by becoming the first Indian to score a century in the IPL. At just 19 years of age, he played an innings of great maturity and control against Deccan Chargers, scoring 114 off 73 balls. Pandey anchored the innings beautifully, completing his century off 67 balls, giving RCB the winning score. Bangalore won by 12 runs, and Pandey’s efforts earned him the Player of the Match award.

2. Sachin Tendulkar (100* Runs in 66 Balls Against Kochi Tuskers Kerala, 2011)

• Team: Mumbai Indians
• 66 in 100: balls
• Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

Master Blaster, Sachin Tendulkar played one of his best IPL innings against Kochi Tuskers Kerala in 2011. Known for his brute force in his time, Sachin scored a century that reminded fans of classic ODI batting. He completed his century in 66 balls with 12 fours and 3 sixes. Despite his brilliant performance, Mumbai ended up as the losing team as Kochi comfortably chased down the total.

3. David Warner (107* Off 69 Balls Against Kolkata Knight Riders, 2010)

• Team: Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals)
• 66 off 100: balls
• Venue: Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi

Before becoming a powerhouse for Sunrisers Hyderabad, David had made his mark in the IPL. He scored 107* off 69 balls for Delhi Daredevils against KKR. The interesting thing about this century is that it came at a time when Warner was still finding his rhythm in T20s. He completed his century off 66 balls and led Delhi to a comfortable victory.

4. Jos Buttler (100 off 66 balls Against Mumbai Indians, 2022)

• Team: Rajasthan Royals
• 66 off 100: balls
• Venue: DY Patil Stadium, Mumbai

In IPL 2022, Jos Buttler was unbeaten. But one of those innings, against Mumbai Indians, was surprisingly on the slow side by his standards. Buttler took 66 balls to reach his century, which was made difficult by the sticky pitch. Even though it wasn’t his fastest, Buttler’s 100 off 66 balls helped Rajasthan post a strong total and secure a 23-run victory.

5. Kevin Pietersen (103* off 64 Balls Against Deccan Chargers, 2012)

• Team: Delhi Daredevils
• 64 off 100: balls
• Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi

Known for his brilliant shots, Kevin showed remarkable discipline in this IPL 2012 match against Deccan Chargers. Chasing 158, Pietersen scored an unbeaten 103 off 64 balls. He took time to calm down but later unleashed his range of strokes by hitting nine sixes. His century, though slow by T20 standards, saw Delhi chase down the target with ease with a few overs to spare.

6. KL Rahul (100 Off 63 Balls Against Mumbai Indians, 2019)

• Team: Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab)
• Balls for 100: 63
• Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

In IPL 2019, KL Rahul was in sensational form, but his century against Mumbai Indians was built on a foundation of composure. On the slow Wankhede pitch, Rahul completed his century off 63 balls, hitting 6 sixes and 6 fours. The innings showcased Rahul’s ability to anchor the innings under pressure, and proved that he can play the long game when his team needs stability.

7. Virat Kohli (100 Off 63 Balls Against Gujarat Lions, 2016)

• Team: Royal Challengers Bangalore
• Balls for 100: 63
• Location: Rajkot

Virat Kohli’s 2016 IPL season is legendary! But one of them, against Gujarat Lions, was a relatively slow game. On a tricky pitch in Rajkot, Kohli struggled to score a century off 63 balls. Despite his efforts, RCB could not defend 180 as Gujarat chased it down. Kohli’s calculated innings, coupled with adaptability and game awareness, are the hallmarks of his batting. His batting across all formats.

8. Virat Kohli (100 Off 62 Balls Against Sunrisers Hyderabad, 2023)

• Team: Royal Challengers Bangalore
• Balls for 100: 62
• Location: Hyderabad

Fast-forward to IPL 2023, and Kohli once again showed why he is a master at pacing the innings. Against SRH, in a must-win match, Kohli completed his century off 62 balls, not explosive, but perfectly balanced. Partnering with Faf du Plessis, he guided RCB to a comfortable 8-wicket win. His century was a statement that consistency and control can still win matches in the T20 era.

9. Ambati Rayudu (100* in 62 Balls Against Sunrisers Hyderabad, 2018)

• Team: Chennai Super Kings
• Balls for 100: 62
• Location: Pune

Ambati Rayudu was a mystery for CSK in the 2018 season, and his maiden IPL century came during a high-pressure chase against SRH. He took 62 balls to complete his century, and CSK had a solid innings with 8 wickets in hand as they chased down 179. Rayudu’s innings, though not lightning-fast, showed maturity, composure and perfect timing. He remained unbeaten and eventually earned the Player of the Match award.

10. KL Rahul (132* Runs in 69 Balls Against Royal Challengers Bangalore, 2020)

• Team: Punjab Kings
• Balls in 100 balls: 62 (Total 132* runs in 69 balls)
• Venue: Dubai International Stadium, UAE

KL Rahul scored 132 runs in 69 balls against RCB during IPL 2020. This is one of the most impressive yet slow-paced centuries ever in the tournament. Although his strike rate eventually increased due to his fast pace, he scored 100 runs in 62 balls. Once he was set, he hit a flurry of boundaries, leading Punjab to a big 97-run win.

Conclusion

The slowest century in IPL history may not have the glory of a fast century, but it does have the essence of game awareness. Each of these innings came in different match situations, where aggression had to be kept at bay. Whether it’s Kohli’s patience or Rahul’s tactical genius, this innings reminds us that in the IPL, not all centuries need to be flashy to be memorable. Sometimes, centuries that stand the test of time really require patience and focus.

Read More : Top 11 Slowest Fifties in IPL History (From 2008-2025)

FAQs: People Also Ask

Q1. Why are slow centuries scored in the IPL despite the T20 format being fast?

Slow centuries are often scored due to match conditions. In such cases, the focus shifts from explosive hitting to team survival and situational play.

Q2. Which player holds the record for the slowest IPL century ever?

The record for the slowest IPL century is held by KL Rahul, who scored 132* off 69 balls (100 off 62 balls) against Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2020.

Q3. Are slow centuries considered less impressive than fast centuries?

Not necessarily. Fans love explosive batting, slow centuries often reflect mental strength and adaptability.

Q4. How does pitch condition affect the scoring rate in IPL centuries?

Pitch condition plays a big role in determining the scoring rate. On a dry, turning track or a surface with changing bounce, timing becomes difficult. Batsmen have to spend time adjusting, which results in lower strike rate.

Q5. Which player has shown the most versatility between fast and slow IPL centuries?

Virat Kohli and KL Rahul top the list. Kohli has scored both fast and methodical centuries, adjusting his tempo according to the match conditions.

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