It was a whirlwind in Bengaluru when Chris Gayle pummelled almost every delivery into the stands en route to his record-shattering 175 not out.
The year was 2013, the venue was the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, and the stage was set for a night of unmatched carnage. Chris Gayle, the “Universe Boss” of T20 cricket, unleashed an innings that would forever be etched in the history books of the Indian Premier League (IPL). This article delves into that remarkable evening, exploring Gayle’s record-breaking knock of 175* and the sheer dominance he displayed against the hapless Pune Warriors.
From the very first ball, Gayle announced his intentions. Ishwar Pandey, the season’s leading wicket-taker in the Ranji Trophy, was welcomed with a brutal assault, conceding 21 runs in his opening over. This set the tone for the carnage that was to unfold. Bowlers like Mitchell Marsh, Aaron Finch, and Ali Murtaza were all treated with disdain, their deliveries disappearing over the boundary with alarming regularity.
Gayle’s power-hitting was unparalleled. He targeted anything on length, dispatching deliveries with effortless ease that belied the immense power behind his strokes. Only one of his 30 boundaries could be classified as a miscue, highlighting the sheer precision of his hitting. Two of his shots even cleared the stadium roof, leaving the Pune Warriors bowlers utterly helpless.
The onslaught resulted in a flurry of records. Gayle raced to the fastest century in T20 history, reaching the landmark in a mere 30 balls. He didn’t stop there, going on to shatter the record for the highest individual score in T20 cricket, finishing unbeaten on a staggering 175 runs. This feat not only cemented his place in the record books but also showcased his ability to dominate bowling attacks at will.
The brutality of Gayle’s batting was matched by his infectious enthusiasm. He revelled in the destruction he caused, sharing good-natured banter with the opposition fielders and celebrating his century with a flamboyant punch and a raised-arm pose. This larger-than-life personality added another layer to his performance, making it a truly captivating spectacle for the fans.
While Gayle was the undisputed star of the show, his innings was ably supported by his fellow batsmen. Tillakaratne Dilshan, his opening partner, played a vital role in setting the platform for the carnage. Their 167-run stand, an IPL record for the opening partnership, ensured a solid foundation. Later, AB de Villiers provided a late flourish with a quick-fire 31 off just eight balls, further accelerating the scoring rate.
Gayle’s knock propelled Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to a mammoth total of 263 runs, the highest team score in T20 history at that time. The hapless Pune Warriors, completely demoralized by Gayle’s onslaught, were bundled out for a meagre 133 runs, resulting in a resounding victory for RCB by a margin of 130 runs.
Chris Gayle’s record-breaking knock of 175* remains the highest individual score in the IPL. It serves as a testament to his raw power, exceptional technique, and ability to dominate bowling attacks with ruthless efficiency. This innings not only rewrote the record books but also redefined the possibilities of batting in the T20 format, inspiring a generation of young batsmen to embrace aggressive strokeplay. The night in Bengaluru was a celebration of power hitting, entertainment, and a reminder of the sheer brilliance a single player can bring to the beautiful game of cricket.
