The IPL is known for its explosive sixes and lightning-fast innings, but the Slowest Centuries in IPL remind us that not every hundred is scored in blitzkrieg style. Sometimes, players dig deep and play slow yet impactful innings that demand grit, determination, and control.
In this article, we count down the Top 5 Slowest Centuries in IPL History — from rank 5 to rank 1 — where legendary cricketers showed the world that timing, temperament, and tactical nous are just as important as power-hitting.
List of Top 5 Slowest Centuries in IPL History
5. Jos Buttler
Known for his explosive batting, Jos Buttler surprised everyone by scoring one of the Slowest Centuries in IPL history with a patient ton against Mumbai Indians in IPL 2022. Batting for Rajasthan Royals at Navi Mumbai, Buttler showed remarkable composure and adaptability. Facing tough conditions and a strong MI bowling attack, he built his innings slowly before accelerating later, proving that even aggressive batters can craft gritty hundreds when needed. This knock stood out in the list of slow-paced IPL centuries.
He adapted his game smartly, focused on timing, and kept his cool. His hundred off 66 balls was a mix of precision, placement, and professionalism. This innings proved that Jos isn’t just a power-hitter — he’s also a smart match-winner.
| Detail | Info |
| Player | Jos Buttler |
| Balls to Reach 100 | 66 |
| Team | Rajasthan Royals (RR) |
| Opponent | Mumbai Indians (MI) |
| Venue | Navi Mumbai |
| Year | 2022 |
4. David Warner
David Warner, known for his explosive starts, showed great maturity during his 66-ball century against Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2010—an innings often mentioned among the Slowest Centuries in IPL. Batting for Delhi Capitals (then Delhi Daredevils), he began with typical aggression but shifted gears smartly as the innings progressed, focusing more on anchoring the innings. His ability to adapt to the situation demonstrated not just power-hitting but also game awareness, making it a memorable knock in IPL history.
Instead of going all-out, Warner focused on building a foundation. His knock helped Delhi post a strong total and reminded everyone that even the most aggressive players know when to slow down and stabilize the innings.
| Detail | Info |
| Player | David Warner |
| Balls to Reach 100 | 66 |
| Team | Delhi Capitals (DC) |
| Opponent | Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) |
| Venue | Delhi |
| Year | 2010 |
3. Sachin Tendulkar
In IPL 2011, the legendary Sachin Tendulkar showed once again why he’s admired by millions. Batting for Mumbai Indians against Kochi Tuskers Kerala, he played a beautiful innings full of timing and technical brilliance. Although known for his elegance, this knock also finds a place among the Slowest Centuries in IPL, proving that patience and class can coexist. Tendulkar’s measured approach in building his innings showcased how even slow centuries can have a significant impact in T20 cricket, especially in pressure situations.
Reaching his century in 66 balls, Tendulkar focused on anchoring the innings, building partnerships, and keeping the scoreboard ticking. The Wankhede crowd roared as he reached the three-figure mark — not with firepower, but with elegance and intelligence.
| Detail | Info |
| Player | Sachin Tendulkar |
| Balls to Reach 100 | 66 |
| Team | Mumbai Indians (MI) |
| Opponent | Kochi Tuskers Kerala |
| Venue | Mumbai (Wankhede) |
| Year | 2011 |
2. Manish Pandey
Back in 2009, Manish Pandey created history by becoming the first Indian to score a century in the IPL. His special knock came against the Deccan Chargers in Centurion, South Africa. While his century was a quick one, it contrasts sharply with some of the Slowest Centuries in IPL history, which took significantly more deliveries to reach the milestone. Comparing such innings highlights how approaches and conditions can impact the pace of a century in the tournament.
Taking 67 balls to reach his ton, Pandey batted with great patience and maturity. At a time when big-hitters dominated, this young Indian showed the value of building an innings. It remains one of the most iconic knocks in IPL history.
| Detail | Info |
| Player | Manish Pandey |
| Balls to Reach 100 | 67 |
| Team | Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) |
| Opponent | Deccan Chargers |
| Venue | Centurion |
| Year | 2009 |
1. Virat Kohli
Topping the list of Slowest Centuries in IPL is none other than Virat Kohli, the run-machine of IPL. In IPL 2024, he played an incredibly patient innings against Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur. With wickets falling around him, Kohli showcased immense composure and resilience. Holding the innings together like a true leader, he ensured his team stayed in the contest. His century, though slow by T20 standards, was a masterclass in grit, making it one of the most memorable Slowest Centuries in IPL history.
He brought up his century in 67 balls, showing immense control and focus. While the strike rate wasn’t flashy, the importance of the innings was massive. It helped RCB stay competitive and proved once again why Virat is called King Kohli.
| Detail | Info |
| 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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