The score that has never been tampered with is 175. While it is a common sight to see high individual scores in the Indian Premier League, there have been instances when certain innings in the league have stretched the batting limits in T20 cricket. These were not merely high runs scored, but they played a significant role in turning matches and altered the way in which the teams thought about their potential. The best ever individual scores made in the IPL history serve as benchmarks of dominance, precision and aggressive batting, and they have often resulted in easy wins for the teams.
Throughout the past, it has rarely happened to get to the 140s, not to speak of the 150s. Throughout its history from the time of its inception, only five such innings in total have made it to this coveted list. Each came in a different context, but all had one thing in common – total control over the game.
Highest Individual Scores in IPL:
| PLAYER | RUNS | BALLS | VS | STRIKE RATE | 4s/6s | VENUE | YEAR |
| Chris Gayle (RCB) | 175* | 66 | PWI | 265.15 | 13/17 | Bengaluru | 2013 |
| Brendon McCullum (KKR) | 158* | 73 | RCB | 216.43 | 10/13 | Bengaluru | 2008 |
| Abhishek Sharma (SRH) | 141 | 55 | PBKS | 256.36 | 14/10 | Hyderabad | 2025 |
| Quinton de Kock (LSG) | 140* | 70 | KKR | 200 | 10/10 | DY Patil | 2022 |
| Abhishek Sharma | 135* | 68 | DC | 198.52 | 10/10 | Hyderabad | 2026 |
Gayle Storm: 175* That Still Towers Above
175 not out by Chris Gayle in 2013 holds the record. In the match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Pune Warriors India, Gayle scored 175 runs in just 66 balls. The batting performance was achieved at an SR of more than 265. His knock consisted of 17 sixes. Royal Challengers scored an imposing target and went on to win the game easily.
Opening Night Fire: McCullum’s 158* Classic
Before Gayle, there was Brendon McCullum, who had already laid down the gauntlet. In his very first IPL game back in 2008, he hit 158* from just 73 balls for Kolkata Knight Riders against Royal Challengers Bangalore. His innings included 13 maximums. Kolkata Knight Riders breezed past the 200 mark. The game was wrapped up rather early. It became the template for aggressive T20 batting from day one.
New-Age Dominance: Abhishek’s 141 Breakthrough
Looking into the future, the 141 scored by Abhishek Sharma in 2025 stands out. The batsman represents Sunrisers Hyderabad and played against Punjab Kings. He took only 55 balls to reach such a huge score. This number is currently considered the highest by any Indian player in the history of IPL. His innings powered a successful chase.
De Kock’s 140* Anchor Role
This is followed by Quinton de Kock’s 140* in 2022 for the Lucknow Super Giants against the Kolkata Knight Riders. He played 70 deliveries and remained not out throughout. Although unlike a brutal start to an innings, this one came with the build-up of momentum. But there were sufficient boundaries that ensured the scoring rate was fast. LSG posted a strong total and edged a close win. It highlighted balance over brute force.
Abhishek’s 135* Reinforces Rise
Lastly, there comes Abhishek Sharma once more with a score of 135* in 2026 against Delhi Capitals. The innings came from 68 balls. It is the fifth-largest in the IPL. But more than that, the innings have established the consistency of the player in high-class cricket. Scoring two out of the five largest innings in the IPL makes him belong to an exclusive group. This indicates a trend towards Indian young batsmen making large scores.
The innings listed above are considered among the best because they are not just innings of big scores but innings that made a difference. They shaped results, lifted team totals beyond reach, and pushed the limits of T20 batting.
