Who Scored the First Century in Every IPL Season? (2008-2025)

Introduction

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been the ultimate platform for power-hitters, and scoring a century in a T20 match is a remarkable achievement. Every season, the first century is a special moment, often setting the stage for an exciting tournament. From Brendon McCullum’s historic 158 in the opening match of IPL 2008* to Ishan Kishan’s stunning ton in IPL 2025, these centuries have been unforgettable.

Here’s a look at the first century in every IPL season, showcasing some of the greatest individual performances in the tournament's history.

First Century in Every IPL Season

2008 – Brendon McCullum (Kolkata Knight Riders vs RCB)

The IPL began with a bang as Brendon McCullum smashed an unbeaten 158 off 73 balls in the very first match. His innings, featuring 13 sixes and 10 fours, remains one of the most iconic knocks in IPL history.

2009 – AB de Villiers (Delhi Daredevils vs CSK)

The second season saw AB de Villiers score 105 off 54 balls* for Delhi Daredevils against Chennai Super Kings. His innings was a masterclass in elegant yet destructive batting.

2010 – Yusuf Pathan (Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians)

Yusuf Pathan lit up IPL 2010 with an explosive 100 off just 37 balls, one of the fastest centuries in IPL history. Despite his efforts, Rajasthan Royals narrowly lost the match.

2011 – Paul Valthaty (Kings XI Punjab vs CSK)

A lesser-known name, Paul Valthaty, stunned everyone with a magnificent 120 off 63 balls* for Punjab against CSK, proving that IPL is full of surprises.

2012 – Ajinkya Rahane (Rajasthan Royals vs RCB)

Rahane played a classy knock, scoring 103 off 60 balls*, marking his arrival as a T20 batsman. His timing and placement made this innings special.

2013 – Shane Watson (Rajasthan Royals vs CSK)

The Australian all-rounder Shane Watson smashed 101 off 61 balls against Chennai Super Kings, leading his team to a dominant victory.

2014 – Lendl Simmons (Mumbai Indians vs Kings XI Punjab)

Lendl Simmons was the first centurion of IPL 2014, scoring 100 off 61 balls* in a crucial match that helped Mumbai Indians stay in the race for playoffs.

2015 – Brendon McCullum (Chennai Super Kings vs SRH)

McCullum appeared on this list again, this time for Chennai Super Kings, with a scintillating 100 off 56 balls* against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

2016 – Quinton de Kock (Delhi Daredevils vs RCB)

Quinton de Kock became the first centurion of IPL 2016 with a 108 off 51 balls against RCB, displaying his aggressive strokeplay.

2017 – Sanju Samson (Delhi Daredevils vs Rising Pune Supergiant)

A young Sanju Samson scored 102 off 63 balls, becoming the first player of IPL 2017 to reach three figures.

2018 – Chris Gayle (Kings XI Punjab vs SRH)

Universe Boss Chris Gayle proved his dominance once again, scoring 104 off 63 balls* for Punjab against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

2019 – Sanju Samson (Rajasthan Royals vs SRH)

Sanju Samson joined this list again in 2019 with a brilliant 102 off 55 balls, becoming one of the few players with multiple first-century records in IPL history.

2020 – KL Rahul (Kings XI Punjab vs RCB)

KL Rahul registered the highest individual score by an Indian in IPL history with an unbeaten 132 off 69 balls*, dismantling the RCB bowling attack.

2021 – Sanju Samson (Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings)

Sanju Samson became the first centurion of IPL 2021 with a stunning 119 off 63 balls, proving his consistency in the league.

2022 – Jos Buttler (Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians)

Jos Buttler started his phenomenal IPL 2022 season with a 100 off 68 balls, showing his ability to dominate in the shortest format.

2023 – Harry Brook (Sunrisers Hyderabad vs KKR)

The English batter Harry Brook showcased his talent in IPL 2023 by scoring 100 off 55 balls*, marking his arrival on the big stage.

2024 – Virat Kohli (RCB vs Rajasthan Royals)

In IPL 2024, Virat Kohli silenced critics with a sensational 100 off 62 balls* against Rajasthan Royals, proving his class yet again.

2025 – Ishan Kishan (Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals)

The latest addition to the list, Ishan Kishan, scored an unbeaten 106 off just 47 balls in IPL 2025, helping Sunrisers Hyderabad post a massive total. His innings included 11 fours and six sixes.

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Key Takeaways

• Brendon McCullum's 158 in 2008* remains one of the most legendary IPL innings ever.

• Sanju Samson is the only player to score the first century of the season thrice (2017, 2019, 2021).

• KL Rahul's 132 in 2020 is the highest individual score among the first centuries of a season.*

• Virat Kohli and Ishan Kishan made headlines in 2024 and 2025 respectively, proving their consistency in IPL.

The first century of an IPL season often sets the stage for an exciting tournament, and every year, a new hero emerges. With IPL 2025 underway, who do you think will dominate this season?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

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Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. The data is based on publicly available sources and official IPL records as of March 2025. Refer to official IPL websites and sports news portals for the latest updates.