The runs that wrote history—A glorious flashback to seven IPL centuries that changed the course of playoff battles
Pressure. Lights. A packed stadium. The playoffs in the Indian Premier League are not for the faint-hearted. Yet, a few batters have not only handled the pressure—they’ve transformed it into poetry. Let’s rewind and relive those rare and glorious playoff centuries that electrified the IPL stage. From debutants to legends, each innings came with its own twist. Here's a celebration of those unforgettable seven.
In Qualifier 2 of IPL 2023, Shubman Gill didn’t just bat—he soared. Up against the formidable Mumbai Indians, the young opener was in a different league. Having already displayed scorching form all season, Gill intensified his performance when it mattered most. With a blend of grace and power, he smashed 129 from just 60 deliveries. The Gujarat Titans finished with an imposing total of 233. MI had no answers. Thanks to Gill's brilliance, the Titans advanced to the final with a convincing 62-run victory.
It was the same stage a year earlier. Jos Buttler, Rajasthan Royals’ trusted man at the top, was on a roll in 2022. In Qualifier 2 against RCB, while chasing a modest 158, Buttler put the game to bed himself. He played shots with finesse and dominance, racing to 106 off 60 balls. The Royals easily chased down the total and secured a spot in the final. That was Buttler’s fourth century of the season—a run of form that seemed almost unreal.
Few saw it coming. Rajat Patidar, a replacement pick, became a cult hero overnight. In the Eliminator of IPL 2022, RCB found themselves in trouble early on. However, Patidar stepped in and changed the game. He belted an unbeaten 112 off 54 balls against Lucknow Super Giants. From crisp drives to towering sixes, his innings had everything. RCB set a target of 207, and despite a strong effort from LSG, won by 14 runs. It was more than just a knock; it was a statement from a man who had nothing to lose.
The 2018 final between CSK and SRH witnessed Shane Watson crafting one of the most dramatic tales in IPL history. After ten balls without scoring, it seemed like a struggle. Then came the carnage. Watson shifted gears and unleashed a tempest at the Wankhede. He finished with a majestic 117 not out from 57 balls. CSK chased down 179 with ease and secured their third title. Watson’s ability to transition from stuck to unstoppable remains one of the most iconic playoff performances.
The 2014 final had its fireworks. Wriddhiman Saha, typically understated with the bat, illuminated the night for Kings XI Punjab. Batting at No. 4, he produced a magnificent 115 not out from just 55 balls. It was poetry in motion—delicate flicks, clean drives, astute running. Punjab posted 199. Yet KKR, with nerves of steel, chased it down in the final over. Saha’s heroics were overshadowed, but his name endures in IPL finals folklore.
When the stakes are high, big players deliver. In the 2014 Qualifier 2, Virender Sehwag turned back the clock. Opening for Punjab against CSK, he attacked the bowlers from the very first ball. His innings of 122 off 58 was filled with entertainment—12 fours, eight sixes, and an abundance of swagger. The team totalled 226 runs. CSK put up a fight, but Punjab emerged victorious by 24 runs. It was Sehwag at his fearless best, infusing old-school flair into a high-stakes modern game.
Before anyone else, it was Murali Vijay who set the tone for playoff centuries. In Qualifier 2 of IPL 2012, he took the Delhi Daredevils’ bowlers to task at Chepauk. With elegance and power, Vijay struck 113 off 58 balls. CSK ended with a colossal 222. Under pressure, Delhi folded meekly. CSK won by a significant 86 runs. That innings didn’t just secure a victory—it opened the door to a rare club of playoff centurions.
