Scoring a century in the Indian Premier League (IPL) is a dream for every batsman, but doing it at a young age makes it even more special. Over the years, several IPL rising stars have showcased their batting prowess, setting new records for the youngest IPL batsmen to score a century before even turning 24!
Here we will look at the top 8 youngest players to score an IPL century, their record-breaking knocks, and how their performances shaped their careers. Let’s dive in!
List of Youngest IPL Century Makers
Scoring a century in the IPL is a big deal, but doing it at a young age? That’s something truly special! Over the years, we’ve seen some fearless young cricketers light up the tournament with breathtaking hundreds, proving that age is just a number in cricket.
Below We Discuss the top 8 youngest players to score an IPL century, their memorable knocks, and how those innings shaped their careers. Plus, we’ve added videos of all these iconic moments below—so sit back and enjoy the show!
1. Manish Pandey
- Age: 19 years 253 days
- Match: Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Deccan Chargers (2009)
- Score: 114* off 73 balls
- Venue: Centurion
Manish Pandey made history in the 2009 IPL season when he became the first Indian player to score a century in IPL. His unbeaten 114 runs helped Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) secure an important win. His knock was filled with elegant strokes, making him one of the rising stars of Indian cricket.
2. Rishabh Pant
- Age: 20 years 218 days
- Match: Delhi Daredevils vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (2018)
- Score: 128* off 63 balls
- Venue: Feroz Shah Kotla
Rishabh Pant’s 128 off 63 balls* in 2018 remains one of the most explosive centuries in IPL history. He smashed 15 fours and 7 sixes in his innings, showing his ability to take on any bowling attack. Though Delhi lost the match, Pant’s knock cemented his place as a future star for India.
3. Devdutt Padikkal
- Age: 20 years 289 days
- Match: Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Rajasthan Royals (2021)
- Score: 101* off 52 balls
- Venue: Mumbai
Devdutt Padikkal’s 101 off 52 balls* in IPL 2021 was a knock of pure class. He dominated the Rajasthan Royals’ bowling attack as an opener and helped RCB chase down a target without losing his wicket. This innings established him as one of the most promising young batsmen in Indian cricket.
4. Paul Valthaty
- Age: 21 years 16 days
- Match: Kings XI Punjab vs Chennai Super Kings (2011)
- Score: 120* off 63 balls
- Venue: Mohali
Paul Valthaty, an unknown name before IPL 2011, became a sensation overnight when he smashed 120 off 63 balls* against Chennai Super Kings. His fearless batting helped Punjab chase down CSK’s massive total, but unfortunately, he could not maintain this form in later seasons.
5. Quinton de Kock
- Age: 22 years 13 days
- Match: Delhi Daredevils vs Royal Challengers Bangalore (2016)
- Score: 108 off 51 balls
- Venue: Bengaluru
Quinton de Kock played a match-winning knock of 108 off 51 balls in IPL 2016. His innings helped Delhi Daredevils chase down a tough total against RCB. His clean hitting and aggressive intent made him one of the best young overseas batsmen in IPL history.
6. Sanju Samson
- Age: 22 years 151 days
- Match: Delhi Daredevils vs Rising Pune Supergiant (2017)
- Score: 102 off 63 balls
- Venue: Pune
Sanju Samson has always been a talented batsman, and his 102 off 63 balls in IPL 2017 proved his ability to play match-winning knocks. He played some breathtaking shots, helping Delhi post a big total. Over the years, he has become a leader, eventually the captain of Rajasthan Royals.
7. Shubman Gill
- Age: 23 years 56 days
- Match: Gujarat Titans vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (2023)
- Score: 101 off 58 balls
- Venue: Ahmedabad
Shubman Gill’s century in IPL 2023 for Gujarat Titans was a masterclass in timing and placement. His 101 off 58 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad displayed his elegant strokeplay and composure under pressure. With such performances, Gill is proving himself as the future of Indian cricket.
8. David Warner
- Age: 23 years 153 days
- Match: Delhi Daredevils vs Kolkata Knight Riders (2010)
- Score: 107* off 69 balls
- Venue: Delhi
At 23 years and 153 days, Warner became the youngest Australian star to hit a ton in the IPL. His 107 off 69 balls* helped Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) outplay Kolkata Knight Riders in 2010. While KKR went on to win three IPL titles, Delhi are still waiting for their first championship. Warner later became one of the greatest overseas players in IPL history.
What Makes a Young Player Score a Century in IPL?
Fearless Approach: Youngsters play with confidence, unafraid to take risks.
Powerful Strokeplay: Clean hitting and a wide range of shots help them dominate.
Franchise Backing: IPL teams invest in young talents, helping them shine on the big stage.
Many of these players have gone on to represent their national teams, proving that IPL is the perfect platform for young cricketers to showcase their talent.
Conclusion
These young IPL century-makers have proven that age is just a number in cricket. From Manish Pandey’s record-breaking knock to Rishabh Pant’s explosive innings, these performances have gone down in IPL history.
Do you think any young batsman will break this record in the next IPL season? Share your predictions in the comments!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is the youngest player to score a century in IPL history?
Manish Pandey holds the record for being the youngest player to score an IPL century. He was just 19 years and 253 days old when he smashed 114* off 73 balls for Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2009.
Which Indian players have scored an IPL century at a young age?
Some of the youngest Indian players to score an IPL century include Manish Pandey, Rishabh Pant, Devdutt Padikkal, Sanju Samson, and Shubman Gill.
How old was Rishabh Pant when he scored his IPL century?
Rishabh Pant was 20 years and 218 days old when he scored a blistering 128* off 63 balls for Delhi Daredevils against Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2018.
Who is the youngest overseas player to score an IPL century?
The youngest overseas player to hit a century in IPL is Quinton de Kock. He scored 108 off 51 balls for Delhi Daredevils in IPL 2016 at the age of 22 years and 13 days.
How many players under 23 have scored a century in IPL?
Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) has seen multiple young players score centuries for them, including Rishabh Pant, Quinton de Kock, and David Warner.
Who is the youngest captain to score a century in IPL?
Shubman Gill became the youngest IPL captain to score a century when he smashed 101 off 58 balls for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2023.
Has any teenager ever scored a century in the IPL?
Yes! Manish Pandey (19 years, 253 days) remains the only teenager to have scored a century in IPL history.
What is the fastest century by a young player in IPL?
Rishabh Pant’s 128 off 63 balls in IPL 2018* is considered one of the fastest and most destructive centuries by a young player in IPL.
Which IPL season had the most centuries by young players?
The 2018 and 2023 IPL seasons saw multiple young players score centuries, making them some of the best years for rising stars in IPL history.
