Scoring big in T20 cricket is never easy. The format is fast, bowlers are smart and pressure is always high. But some batsmen have risen above all this and posted truly massive individual scores.
The highest individual score in IPL is a record every big hitter dreams of. These knocks show courage, skill and power. They are truly the best records in cricket that fans always remember.
In this blog, we cover the Top 5 highest individual score in IPL history in full detail. We look at the match situation, key stats and what made each of these innings so special.
Top 5 Highest Individual Scores in IPL (Full List)
Here is a quick look at the top 5 highest individual score in IPL of all time:
| Rank | Player | Score | Team | Opponent | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chris Gayle | 175* | RCB | Pune Warriors India | 23 Apr 2013 |
| 2 | Brendon McCullum | 158* | KKR | RCB | 18 Apr 2008 |
| 3 | Abhishek Sharma | 141 | SRH | Punjab Kings | 12 Apr 2025 |
| 4 | Quinton de Kock | 140* | LSG | KKR | 18 May 2022 |
| 5 | Abhishek Sharma | 135* | SRH | Delhi Capitals | 21 Apr 2026 |
1. Chris Gayle – 175 Runs (2013)
Chris Gayle played this innings on April 23, 2013 for Royal Challengers Bangalore against Pune Warriors India. Chris Gayle highest score in IPL is 175 not out off just 66 balls which is the highest individual score in IPL history to date.
His innings had 17 sixes and 13 fours with a strike rate of 265.15. The Chris Gayle highest score in IPL of 175 runs is proof that no bowler had any answer to his batting on that night.
Gayle holds a place among the Most Runs in IPL scorers ever. His 175 not out single-handedly pushed RCB to 263/5 which was the highest team total in IPL at that time.
2. Brendon McCullum – 158 Runs (2008)
Brendon McCullum scored 158 not out in the very first match of IPL history on April 18, 2008. He was playing for Kolkata Knight Riders against Royal Challengers Bangalore at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
He faced just 73 balls and hit 13 sixes and 10 fours. His strike rate was 216.43 which was considered unreal at that time. The brendon mccullum highest score in ipl of 158 gave IPL the perfect start and told the world what T20 cricket could become.
Brendon McCullum highest score in IPL is 158 not out the second highest individual score in IPL ever. His knock is special because it came at the very first moment of IPL history.
3. Abhishek Sharma – 141 Runs (2025)
Abhishek Sharma played this stunning knock on April 12, 2025 for Sunrisers Hyderabad against Punjab Kings at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. He scored 141 off just 55 balls with 14 fours and 10 sixes at a strike rate of 256.36.
SRH were chasing a massive target of 246 and Abhishek’s knock is also remembered as one of the Fastest Century in IPL knocks ever. He and Travis Head put on a blazing 171-run opening partnership to set up the chase.
This innings broke KL Rahul’s record for the highest individual score in IPL by an Indian batsman. Abhishek’s knock powered SRH to a dominant 8-wicket win with 9 balls to spare. It is one of the most explosive innings ever seen in the IPL.
4. Quinton de Kock – 140 Runs (2022)
Quinton de Kock played this knock for Lucknow Super Giants against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens on May 18, 2022. He scored 140 not out off just 70 balls. This is the fourth highest individual score in IPL of all time.
He hit 15 fours and 7 sixes during this innings at a strike rate of 200. De Kock and KL Rahul put on a huge opening partnership of 210 runs which gave LSG a massive platform to bat on. The entire KKR bowling attack had no answer to his strokeplay.
This innings came in LSG’s very first IPL season which made it even more special. De Kock announced himself in the best way possible for a new franchise. His knock carried LSG to a massive total and helped them win the match comfortably.
5. Abhishek Sharma – 135 Runs (2026)
Abhishek Sharma scored 135* on April 21, 2026 for SRH against Delhi Capitals in Hyderabad. This highest score in ipl by player knock helped SRH post a massive total of 242/2 in 20 overs.
He batted with great control and hit boundaries at will throughout the innings. Heinrich Klaasen supported him well in the end. His strokeplay made DC bowlers look completely helpless on the night.
SRH won by 47 runs and secured their third straight win of IPL 2026. Abhishek became the only ipl history highest score batsman to ever appear twice in the top 5 list.
Why These IPL Innings Are So Special?
These innings are not just about big scores. Each knock came in a high pressure situation and completely changed the match. The impact, timing and pure dominance make them truly unforgettable.
- Chris Gayle’s 175 helped RCB post a massive 263/5 in the same match
- McCullum’s 158 came in the very first IPL match ever played in 2008
- Abhishek Sharma’s 141 helped SRH chase down 246 one of the highest total in IPL chases ever
- Quinton de Kock’s 140 came in LSG’s debut IPL season making it extra special
- Abhishek’s 135 in 2026 proved he is the most dangerous opener in IPL today
What makes these knocks stand out is the control and skill shown under pressure. Each batsman dominated the highest individual score in IPL stage and carried their team to victory single-handedly.
Conclusion
The highest individual score in IPL records show how far T20 batting has evolved over the years. Every season raises the bar higher and proves that cricket will always produce match-winning moments.
IPL has given cricket fans some of the most entertaining moments ever. Opposing teams tried everything including the Strategic Timeout in IPL to break these batsmen’s momentum but nothing worked against such dominating innings.
Teams use smart tactics to stop big hitters like these. But when a player is completely dominating, no strategy works. These players raised the bar so high that their records inspire every young batsman around the world.
