The slowest centuries in the Indian Premier League (IPL) are the ones that truly stand out, not for their flair, but for defying everything the tournament is known for. In a league built on blazing sixes, jaw-dropping strike rates, and whirlwind knocks, these painstaking hundreds feel almost out of place. While most IPL tons are rapid-fire displays of power-hitting and fearless strokeplay, some take a more measured, unexpected path — crawling to the milestone rather than sprinting.
These slow centuries don’t just defy the format’s norms — they often spark debates, draw criticism, and yet leave fans intrigued. Sometimes they come from legendary players navigating a tricky pitch. Sometimes, from under-pressure captains trying to anchor a crumbling innings. And occasionally, they’re just outright bizarre — where caution, not carnage, becomes the headline.
This list dives into the Top 5 Slowest IPL Hundreds that shocked everyone, not because they happened, but how they happened. These innings tested patience, stirred controversy, and still managed to make it to the triple-digit club.
List of Top 5 Slowest Centuries in IPL History
5. Jos Buttler
Jos Buttler, who is known for his aggressive batting, shocked everyone in the IPL 2022 by scoring a patient century against the Mumbai Indians, one of the Slowest Centuries in IPL history. In the face of difficult circumstances and a potent MI bowling attack, he began his innings slowly before picking up speed later, demonstrating that even aggressive hitters are capable of producing gritty hundreds when necessary. Among the list of slowest IPL centuries, this knock was particularly noteworthy. He combined accuracy, placement, and professionalism to reach his century off 66 balls. This inning demonstrated that Jos is a clever match-winner in addition to being a powerful batter.
| Detail | Information |
| Player | Jos Buttler |
| Balls to Reach 100 | 66 |
| Team | Rajasthan Royals (RR) |
| Opponent | Mumbai Indians (MI) |
| Venue | Navi Mumbai |
| Year | 2022 |
4. David Warner
In his 66-ball century against the Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2010 IPL, which is frequently cited as one of the Slowest Centuries in IPL history, David Warner, who is known for his blazing beginnings, displayed remarkable maturity. He started the innings with his usual aggression when batting for the Delhi Capitals (then known as the Delhi Daredevils), but as the innings went on, he wisely changed tactics and concentrated more on anchoring the innings. Warner concentrated on laying the groundwork rather than going all out. He reminded everyone that even the most aggressive players know when to settle down and stabilise the innings.
| Detail | Information |
| Player | David Warner |
| Balls to Reach 100 | 66 |
| Team | Delhi Capitals (DC) |
| Opponent | Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) |
| Venue | Delhi |
| Year | 2010 |
3. Sachin Tendulkar
The renowned Sachin Tendulkar again showed why millions admire him during the 2011 Indian Premier League. He had a stunning performance of timing and technical skill while batting for the Mumbai Indians against the Kochi Tuskers Kerala. Despite his reputation for grace, this knock is included in the IPL’s Slowest Centuries, demonstrating that class and patience coexist. Tendulkar demonstrated how even slow hundreds can significantly impact T20 cricket, particularly under duress, with his methodical approach to establishing his innings. Tendulkar concentrated on leading the innings, forming alliances, and maintaining the scoreboard as he reached his century in 66 balls.
| Detail | Information |
| Player | Sachin Tendulkar |
| Balls to Reach 100 | 66 |
| Team | Mumbai Indians (MI) |
| Opponent | Kochi Tuskers Kerala |
| Venue | Mumbai (Wankhede) |
| Year | 2011 |
2. Manish Pandey
Manish Pandey made history in 2009, becoming the first Indian player to reach a century in the IPL. In Centurion, South Africa, he delivered a unique knock against the Deccan Chargers. His century was swift, but it starkly contrasts some of the IPL’s Slowest Centuries, which required many more deliveries to reach the milestone. Comparing these innings demonstrates how tactics and circumstances can affect a century’s pace in the competition. Pandey batted patiently and maturely, taking 67 balls to reach his ton. This young Indian demonstrated the importance of constructing an innings during a period when big-hitters dominated.
| Detail | Information |
| Player | Manish Pandey |
| Balls to Reach 100 | 67 |
| Team | Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) |
| Opponent | Deccan Chargers |
| Venue | Centurion |
| Year | 2009 |
1. Virat Kohli
The IPL’s run-machine, Virat Kohli, sits at the top of the list of Slowest Centuries in the league. He played a very calm innings against the Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur during the 2024 Indian Premier League. As wickets fell all around him, Kohli displayed remarkable poise and fortitude. He kept his team in the game by holding the innings together like a true captain. His century was one of the most memorable Slowest Centuries in IPL history, but with remarkable attention and control, he reached his century in 67 balls. Even if the strike rate wasn’t noteworthy, the innings were crucial. It kept RCB competitive and further demonstrated why Virat Kohli is known as King Kohli.
| Detail | Information |
| Player | Virat Kohli |
| Balls to Reach 100 | 67 |
| Team | Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) |
| Opponent | Rajasthan Royals (RR) |
| Venue | Jaipur |
| Year | 2024 |
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