Chris Gayle, the ‘Universe Boss’ of cricket, was once the most destructive batsman in the Indian Premier League. Making his debut in the inaugural IPL season in 2009, Gayle quickly became the face of the tournamentwith his powerful stroke play and towering sixes. Over the years, he has represented various teams including Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Punjab Kings.
His ability to consistently find the boundary ropes and clear them with ease earned him a reputation as one of the most destructive batsmen in T20 cricket.
In his illustrious IPL career spanning 142 matches, Gayle has amassed a formidable total of 4,965 runs at an average of 39.72 and a strike rate of 148.92. His dominance is further highlighted by an impressive tally of 6 centuries and 31 half-centuries. Notably, Gayle’s highest individual score stands at a staggering 175* runs, which is also the highest individual score in T20 history.
On that note, check out the top 5 highest scores in the IPL by Gayle.
List of Top 5 Chris Gayle’s Highest Score in IPLÂ
| Sr no. | Team | Opponent | Score | Strike Rate | Fours | Sixes | Year |
| 1 | RCB | PWI | 175* | 265.15 | 30 | 13 | 2013 |
| 2 | RCB | DD | 128* | 206.45 | 7 | 13 | 2012 |
| 3 | RCB | KXIP | 117 | 205.26 | 7 | 12 | 2015 |
| 4 | RCB | KXIP | 107 | 218.36 | 10 | 9 | 2011 |
| 5 | KXIP | SRH | 104* | 165.07 | 1 | 11 | 2018 |
1. 175 Against Pune Warriors
In the IPL 2013 match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Pune Warriors, Chris Gayle’s explosive innings stole the spotlight. He scored a magnificent unbeaten 175 runs off just 66 balls, achieving a staggering strike rate of 265.15. Gayle’s innings was characterized by brute force and impeccable timing as he sent the ball sailing over the ropes a record 17 times, including 13 sixes and 30 fours. This is not just Chris Gayle highest score in IPL, but the highest score in T20 cricket history.
Apart from Gayle’s heroics, AB de Villiers contributed with a quickfire 31 off 8 balls. Chasing 264 to win, Pune Warriors could only manage 133/9 in their 20 overs, falling short by a massive 130 runs. RCB’s bowling attack was brilliant on the day, with each of their six bowlers getting at least one wicket.Â
Read More: Highest Individual Score in IPL
2. 128 Against Delhi Daredevils
In the IPL 2012 clash between Delhi Daredevils and Royal Challengers Bangalore, 117 in IPL 2015, Gayle registered his second-highest score in the IPL. Batting first, RCB posted a total of 215/1 in their 20 overs. The innings was anchored by Gayle’s magnificent 128* off just 62 balls, featuring 13 sixes and 7 fours, with a strike rate of 206.45. His knock was a blend of power and precision, as he dismantled the Delhi Daredevils’ bowling attack. Virat Kohli also contributed significantly, scoring 73* off 53 balls.
In response, Delhi Daredevils struggled to build momentum, losing wickets at regular intervals. They could only manage 194/9 in their 20 overs, falling short by 21 runs. Despite a valiant effort from Ross Taylor, who scored 55 off 26 balls, the Daredevils couldn’t chase down the target. RCB’s bowlers, led by Zaheer Khan and Vinay Kumar, ensured that the pressure was maintained throughout the innings.
3. 117 Against Kings XI Punjab
In the 2015 IPL encounter between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kings XI Punjab, Gayle asserted his dominance once again, albeit in a losing cause. Batting first, RCB posted a formidable total of 226/3 in their allotted 20 overs. Gayle played a blistering innings, scoring 117 runs off just 57 balls, at a phenomenal strike rate of 205.26. His innings included 7 boundaries and a staggering 12 sixes, as he dismantled the KXIP bowling attack.
In response, Punjab produced one of the worst batting performances in IPL history, as their wickets kept falling like a pack of cards. The team was bowled out for mere 88 runs as RCB went on to register one of their biggest wins in the tournament. An unbeaten 40 from Axar Patel was their only significant knock. For RCB, Mitchell Starc and Sreenath Aravind picked up four wickets each.Â
Suggested Read: Highest Run Partnership in ODI Cricket History
4. 107 Against Kings XI Punjab
In the IPL 2011 clash between RCB and Kings XI Punjab, Gayle secured his fourth highest score in the IPL. Batting first, RCB set a formidable target of 205/6 in their allotted 20 overs. Gayle led the charge with a scintillating innings, smashing 107 runs off just 49 balls at a strike rate of 218.36. His innings was laced with 10 boundaries and 9 towering sixes, as he tore apart the KXIP bowling attack.
In response, Kings XI Punjab fell short of the target, managing 120/9 in their 20 overs. Interestingly, Gayle played a big role with the ball too, picking up 3 wickets for 21 runs. Sreenath Aravind, however, was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 4 crucial wickets for just 14 runs. Thanks to Gayle’s heroics, RCB won the match by a big margin of 85 runs.
5. 104 Against Sunrisers Hyderabad
In the IPL 2018 match between Kings XI Punjab and Sunrisers Hyderabad, Gayle played a pivotal role in leading his team to victory with a spectacular century. Batting first, KXIP posted a formidable total of 193/3 in their 20 overs, largely thanks to Gayle’s explosive innings. He scored an unbeaten 104 off 63 balls, at a strike rate of 165.07, featuring 11 sixes and 1 four. Gayle’s powerful hitting provided the backbone of KXIP’s innings, setting a challenging target for SRH.
In response, Sunrisers Hyderabad struggled to keep up with the required run rate, despite a solid start from their openers. They managed to score 178/4 in their 20 overs, falling short by 15 runs. SRH captain Kane Williamson top-scored with 54 off 41 balls, while Manish Pandey contributed 57* off 42 balls, but their efforts weren’t enough to chase down the total set by KXIP. KXIP’s bowlers, led by Andrew Tye and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who took 2 wickets each, effectively contained the SRH batsmen.Â
Further Read: Most Unsuccessful Team in IPL
FAQs about Chris Gayle’s Highest Score in IPL
Q) What is the highest score of Chris Gayle in IPL?
A) The highest score of Chris Gayle in the IPL is an unbeaten 175 which he achieved against Pune Warriors in IPL 2013 while playing for the Royal Challengers Bangalore.
He scored an unbeaten 175 runs off just 66 balls at a staggering strike rate of 265.15. Gayle hit 17 times, including 13 sixes and 30 fours. This is also the highest score in all of T20 cricket.Â
Q) Who holds the record for the best strike rate in IPL history?
A) Kolkata Knight Riders all-rounder has the best strike rate in IPL history (174).Â
Q) Who has hit the most sixes in IPL history?
A) Chris Gayle holds the record for most sixes in IPL history. Gayle has hit 357 sixes in 142 matches.
