“Brendon McCullum, Chris Gayle… these innings still haunt bowlers’ dreams,” says former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan.
As IPL 2026 approaches, Pathan has dropped a list that cricket fans are already buzzing about: the greatest individual innings in IPL history. From record-chasing power-hitters to finals-defining heroics, the countdown reads like a who’s-who of cricketing brilliance.
⚡ Fast Facts
- No.1: Chris Gayle – 175* off 66 balls for RCB vs Pune Warriors, 2013.
- No.2: Brendon McCullum – 158* off 75 balls for KKR vs RCB, 2008 inaugural IPL match.
- No.3: Suresh Raina – 87 off 25 balls for CSK vs PBKS, 2018 Qualifier 2.
- No.4: Shane Watson – 117* off 57 balls in 2018 IPL final for CSK.
- No.5: Abhishek Sharma – 141 off 55 balls for SRH vs PBKS, 2025 IPL.
Quick Gist
- Pathan ranks the top 5 IPL innings ahead of 2026.
- Gayle’s 175* remains the most destructive innings in IPL history.
- McCullum’s inaugural 158* is hailed as the iconic “KKR shocker” over RCB.
- Raina, Watson, and Sharma complete a list mixing finals heroics and record-chasing power.
- Fans are debating Pathan’s picks as IPL fever builds.
What Happened
Ahead of IPL 2026, Irfan Pathan shared his personal list of the five greatest innings in IPL history.
- Chris Gayle (No.1): 175* off 66 balls for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) vs Pune Warriors in 2013, featuring 17 sixes and 13 fours.
- Brendon McCullum (No.2): 158* off 75 balls for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the 2008 inaugural IPL match.
- Suresh Raina (No.3): 87 off 25 balls for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2018, narrowly missing a century before being run out.
- Shane Watson (No.4): 117* off 57 balls in CSK’s IPL 2018 final win against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
- Abhishek Sharma (No.5): 141 off 55 balls for SRH vs Punjab Kings (PBKS) in 2025, nearly chasing 246 solo.
Must Read: Brendon McCullum Stays On — Here’s Why It Matters
Why It Matters
These innings aren’t just numbers—they define IPL history:
- Set new benchmarks for strike rates and pressure-chasing.
- Inspired younger players and became part of IPL lore.
- Shaped fan expectations for opening matches, finals, and big chases.
Top IPL Innings Comparison Table
| Rank | Player | Score | Balls | Team | Opponent | Year | Context |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chris Gayle | 175* | 66 | RCB | Pune Warriors | 2013 | Record-breaking innings |
| 2 | Brendon McCullum | 158* | 75 | KKR | RCB | 2008 | IPL inaugural match |
| 3 | Suresh Raina | 87 | 25 | CSK | PBKS | 2018 | Near-century in Qualifier 2 |
| 4 | Shane Watson | 117* | 57 | CSK | SRH | 2018 | IPL final-winning knock |
| 5 | Abhishek Sharma | 141 | 55 | SRH | PBKS | 2025 | Epic 246-run chase |
What Experts Are Saying
- Cricket analysts call Gayle’s 175* the benchmark for all power hitters.
- McCullum’s innings still ranks as a “game-changer” for opening batsmen strategy.
- Raina’s 25-ball 87 is frequently cited as one of the most efficient innings under pressure.
Contrarian View
Some fans argue that other recent IPL knocks—like Jos Buttler or Shreyas Iyer’s explosive centuries—deserve top 5 mentions. Debate continues as analytics increasingly favor strike rate efficiency over sheer runs scored.
What Happens Next
- Fans can expect heightened excitement for IPL 2026, especially watching KKR and CSK opening games.
- Analysts will track potential new record-breaking innings this season.
- Debates on the “greatest IPL innings ever” are expected to dominate social media and sports shows.
FAQs
Q: Why did Irfan Pathan rank Gayle’s innings No.1?
A: Gayle’s 175* off 66 balls included 17 sixes and 13 fours, making it the most destructive and iconic IPL innings.
Q: What made McCullum’s 2008 innings legendary?
A: It was the inaugural IPL match, and McCullum’s 158* stunned RCB while setting a high benchmark for opening batsmen.
Q: Which innings are closest to Raina’s 25-ball 87?
A: Watson’s 117* in the 2018 final and Abhishek Sharma’s 141 in 2025 are comparable in impact under pressure.
Disclaimer: This article provides analysis based on available information. All facts are sourced from the original report; no events or outcomes were fabricated.