Cricket has come a long way. From long, patient Test innings to high-speed chases in T20s, the game has completely changed. And nowhere is this change more visible than in the Indian Premier League (IPL). One of the biggest signs of this shift? The rise of power-hitting and the race to score the fastest 100 in IPL.
In this blog, we’ll walk through how power-hitting has evolved in the IPL and highlight some of the fastest centuries that have stunned fans and changed the course of matches. Whether you're a casual viewer or a fantasy cricket fan, these moments are unmissable.
The Beginning of Power-Hitting in IPL
When IPL began in 2008, it was already clear that T20 cricket was going to be big. Players started adapting quickly—looking to play fewer dot balls, hit more boundaries, and chase totals aggressively.
Still, the early seasons were about consistency and calculated risk. Players like Adam Gilchrist, Matthew Hayden, and Jacques Kallis played big knocks, but centuries were rare and mostly took over 50 balls.
Fast-forward to the 2010s, and everything changed.
The Game-Changer: Chris Gayle’s 30-Ball Century (2013)
In 2013, Chris Gayle made history by smashing the fastest 100 in IPL history—off just 30 balls. He did it while playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore against Pune Warriors India.
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Final score: 175* off 66 balls
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Strike rate: 265
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Sixes: 17
This innings was more than just a record. It redefined what was possible in T20 cricket. After this, teams looked for more power-hitters—guys who could turn a game in just 5–10 overs.
Fantasy players who had picked Gayle that day were over the moon. He delivered runs, boundaries, sixes, and match-winning points all in one go.
Next Generation of Hitters: 2020s Take Over
The 2020s saw a whole new batch of talent, influenced by players like Gayle, AB de Villiers, and Brendon McCullum. Young Indian batsmen were no longer afraid to go big from ball one.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi – 100 in 35 Balls (2025)
In IPL 2025, a young gun named Vaibhav Suryavanshi came into the spotlight. Playing for Rajasthan Royals, he hammered a brilliant 100 in 35 balls.
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Age: 22
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Fours and Sixes: 9 fours, 8 sixes
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Match Result: RR won comfortably
Fantasy players who picked him for that match cashed in big. For more match-winning tips like this, check out this blog:
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Heinrich Klaasen – 100 in 37 Balls
Heinrich Klaasen has been known for hitting hard in the death overs. In IPL 2025, playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad, he smashed a century off just 37 balls.
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Highlights: Big sixes, fearless strokeplay, great against both spin and pace
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Impact: Took SRH from a shaky start to a strong finish
Klaasen’s innings showed that middle-order players can also go big when needed, adding more depth to power-hitting strategies.
Priyansh Arya – 100 in 39 Balls
Another rising Indian star, Priyansh Arya, delivered a shocking performance with a 39-ball hundred for Punjab Kings.
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Why It Mattered: He wasn’t even expected to start the season but made headlines overnight
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Fantasy Impact: Super value pick, especially for players who took a risk on him
His knock proved that with self-belief and preparation, young Indian players can dominate on the big stage.
How Power-Hitting Changed Fantasy Cricket
The evolution of power-hitting hasn’t just changed the IPL — it’s also changed how fantasy cricket is played. Earlier, players would go for consistent 30–40 run scorers. Now? Everyone wants that batter who might score 100 in 30 balls.
Why It Matters:
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Bonus points for boundaries
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High strike rate scores
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Captain/Vice-Captain multipliers
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Man of the Match = Big fantasy boost
This is why following current form and match conditions is important. If you’re looking for expert advice, don’t miss this handy blog:
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The Future of Power-Hitting
With better bats, smaller boundaries, and fearless players, the fastest 100 in IPL might soon be broken again. We could even see a sub-30-ball century in the coming years!
Franchises are now investing heavily in young talent who can clear boundaries with ease. Players are also working more on fitness and bat speed, making six-hitting almost effortless.
Final Thoughts
From Chris Gayle’s historic 30-ball century to young stars like Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Priyansh Arya lighting up IPL 2025, power-hitting has truly evolved. These innings are not only game-changers but also fantasy goldmines.
So next time you build your team, remember this: one fast century can win you the entire contest.
Want more winning tips? Keep following expert blogs like this:
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