Indian Premier League
Home of the most IPL centuries and the highest individual score in league history.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a professional league for Twenty20 cricket in India, which has been held annually since its first edition in 2008. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) is one of the franchises competing in this high-stakes tournament. As of the source, 20 centuries have been scored by players of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, more than any other team. The franchise has been home to some of the most explosive batters in IPL history, including Chris Gayle, who holds the record for the highest individual score in the competition with 175, and Virat Kohli, who leads all players with 9 centuries overall.
Quick Facts
- Country
- India
- Administrator
- Board of Control for Cricket in India
- Headquarters
- Mumbai, India
- First
- 2008
- Last
- 2026
- Champions
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru (2nd title)
- Most successful
- Chennai Super Kings; Mumbai Indians (5 titles each)
- Most runs
- IND Virat Kohli (9,336)
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Royal Challengers Bangalore have been a central part of the IPL since the inaugural match on 18 April 2008 at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore. In that very first game, Brendon McCullum—playing for Kolkata Knight Riders against RCB—scored the league's first century, 158, which remains one of only three 150+ scores by individual batsmen in IPL history. RCB's own Chris Gayle later surpassed that with a staggering 175 against Pune Warriors India, also scoring the fastest century in terms of balls faced, reaching 100 runs in just 30 deliveries. The slowest century in IPL history was jointly scored by Manish Pandey and Virat Kohli, both for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, reaching the milestone in 67 deliveries. Virat Kohli has scored the highest number of centuries in the league with 9, and he also achieved the most centuries in a single season (4 in 2016).
Reader's Guide
Royal Challengers Bangalore compete in the Indian Premier League, a Twenty20 tournament held annually since 2008. The team's primary goal is to win the IPL championship, relying on a mix of international stars and domestic talent acquired through the annual player auction. RCB's batting lineup has historically been its strength, producing more centuries (20) than any other franchise. Key players include Virat Kohli (9 centuries), Chris Gayle (6 centuries, including the highest score of 175 and the fastest century off 30 balls), and AB de Villiers (3 centuries). The team plays its home matches at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore, where the first IPL century was scored by an opposing player in the league's inaugural match.
Did You Know?
- Chris Gayle's 175 for RCB is the highest individual score in IPL history.
- Virat Kohli and Jos Buttler are the only players to score 4 centuries in a single IPL season (Kohli in 2016).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Indian Premier League?
The Indian Premier League is the world's premier Twenty20 cricket tournament, featuring city-based franchises competing annually for supremacy. Established by the Board of Control for Cricket in India, it serves as a high-stakes stage that blends athletic competition with global entertainment.
What role does the IPL play in modern cricket?
It acts as the central hub of professional T20 cricket, dictating the annual rhythm of the sport and transforming local teams into cultural icons. The league elevates franchises like Royal Challengers Bangalore beyond mere sports clubs to become symbols of their cities' spirit.
How does the IPL structure work for teams like RCB?
The competition is organized as an annual league where city-based franchises face off in fast-paced Twenty20 matches to determine a champion. This format allows legends to be forged on the ultimate battleground while providing a consistent platform for team identity and fan engagement.
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