The 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League, a tournament that has always set the benchmark for the shortest format of the game, has once again raised the bar.

This year, we’ve witnessed some incredible performances, with shattered long-standing records and international and emerging players making their mark on Indian soil. The batters of the tournament have indeed embodied the spirit of IPL 2024. In this listicle, we’re taking a closer look at the top five extraordinary batting innings that have captivated the cricketing world in the 2024 edition. 

1. Sunil Narine (Kolkata Knight Riders) vs Rajasthan Royals- 109 runs off 56 balls

Hailed as one of the toughest spinners, Sunil Narine, the Trinidadian spinmeister, has proved his impeccable calibre with the bat, thanks to the IPL platform for displaying his willow-handling skills. Though he started his stint as an opener during the 2017 Big Bash League, his long stint with the Kolkata Knight Riders helped him unleash batting prowess, and the clash against Rajasthan Royals summed it all up.

Against a robust Royals bowling attack on the vast Eden Gardens track, Narine pumped up his batting shots and got off to a flying start. With 13 boundaries and six sixes, he had hit his first-ever century across his batting timeline, with a commendable strike rate of 194.64. To add things up, this memorable batting innings made him the first player in the IPL to have scored a hundred and picked a five-wicket haul.

2. Jos Buttler (Rajasthan Royals) vs Kolkata Knight Riders- 107* runs off 60 balls

To give a small continuation to Sunil Narine’s memorable first century, it was in the same clash of the best; the fans witnessed another stupendous batting innings. After giving a target of 224 runs to the Rajasthan Royals, the away side was up for it amongst the vast grounds of the Eden Gardens. But he had got off slightly slow as he made only 25 off his first 18 balls.

But although struggling with the injury that kept him out of the last RR game and rapidly running out of batting partners, Buttler stayed the course. And taking the match to an enthralling last ball, Buttler’s innings of 107* runs off 60 balls, with nine fours and six sixes, he had taken his visitor’s side team to a victory by two wickets, which kind of overshadowed Narine’s commendable knock. 

3. Will Jacks (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) vs Gujarat Titans- 100* runs off 41 balls

With a quick-pace triple-digit mark and an awestruck reaction by King Kohli, Will Jacks’s century is a wholesome and flavourful batting innings. Starting things off with 17 runs in just 17 balls, in the successive 24 balls, the English batter hit the remaining runs to reach his first-ever IPL century.

Though he had come lately to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru batting campaign, he had proved to be an instrumental element to the team’s middle order batting, which led him to a memorable six-consecutive winning stint, which led them to seal the final playoffs spot, when they just had a mere 1% chance, symbolising the team’s resilient and robust mentality approach. 

See Also: First batch of Indian Team leaves for USA ahead of T20 World Cup 2024

4. Travis Head (Sunrisers Hyderabad) vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru- 102 runs off 41 balls

In the clash between the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad on the small dimensions of Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru broke the long-held record of the highest team score ever in IPL, where Sunrisers Hyderabad took that title away from the previous holders of Bengaluru, thanks to the swashbuckling Aussie batter, Travis Head.

With already announcing his stint in the IPL from an excellent first-match performance, Head accelerated his performance and got him to this stage, where he proved to be handy in scoring the highest team total of IPL of 287/3 by making a century off just 39 balls. In his innings of 102 runs off 41 balls, he hit nine fours and eight sixes at a colossal strike rate of 248.78. 

5. Shashank Singh (Punjab Kings) vs Gujarat Titans- 61* runs off 29 balls 

In this listicle, we have seen all the centuries making the mark, but a few innings have created a long-lasting impact, but it didn’t require a triple-digit mark. One such innings is by the Punjab Kings’ middle-order batting powerhouse, Shashank Singh. It all started in last year’s IPL auction when the Kings bought him instead of another player with the same name, leading to a case of mistaken identity.

With several rumours goofed up, the franchise clarified it and mentioned that he was always on their planned list. As it implies, the batter from Chattisgarh paid back the trust and scored an impeccable innings of 61* runs off 29 balls in a 200-run chase against the Gujarat Titans. This innings is a testament to seizing any opportunity given to a person from different walks of life, which also bolstered the batter’s confidence and led him to be a valuable batting asset to the Punjab Kings. 

Rajasthan Royals made history in the IPL by achieving the highest run chase ever. They defeated Kolkata Knight Riders by two wickets, strengthening their lead on the points table with 12 points from seven matches.

Despite facing a tough target, Rajasthan started strong with Yashasvi Jaiswal’s contribution. After he got out, Skipper Sanju Samson followed suit. But Jos Buttler and Riyan Parag turned things around with a powerful counterattack, scoring 76 runs during the Powerplay phase. In an exciting finish, Buttler showed his skill and led Rajasthan to victory despite being injured. His century helped Rajasthan equal their record for the highest successful run chase, showing their calm performance against tough opponents.

Earlier, Sunil Narine’s explosive century helped Kolkata Knight Riders reach a strong total of 223/6 against Rajasthan Royals. Narine’s aggressive batting, along with partnerships with Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Andre Russell, set the tone. Despite Rajasthan’s spinners struggling, Buttler’s heroics secured a thrilling win in a high-pressure match. In a thrilling IPL match, Rajasthan Royals pulled off a historic run chase against Kolkata Knight Riders, winning by two wickets. It was a rollercoaster ride for Rajasthan, starting with Yashasvi Jaiswal’s early dismissal at 22/1 in just 1.5 overs. Skipper Sanju Samson followed suit, leaving Rajasthan struggling at 47/2 in 4.2 overs.

Riyan Parag gives an amazing performance

However, Riyan Parag stepped up with some impressive shots, but he was dismissed at 97/3 in 7.5 overs. Quick wickets followed, with Dhruv Jurel and Shimron Hetmyer both sent back in quick succession, leaving Rajasthan at 100/4 and then 121/6.

See Also: Netizens can’t stop praising Buttler for RR chase

Jos Buttler’s century turn the match

But it was Jos Buttler’s remarkable innings that turned the tide. He displayed extraordinary batting skills, scoring a fifty off just 36 balls with a reverse-pull for four at 136/6 in 14.3 overs. He continued to hit boundaries, reaching his century with a six at 221/8 in 19.1 overs.

Despite a brief scare when Mitchell Starc’s throw found Buttler short, Rajasthan held their nerve. Buttler’s stellar performance secured the historic win for Rajasthan, with Varun Chakaravarthy unable to stop him in the final over. With three dot balls, Buttler guided Rajasthan to victory, completing the remarkable chase and ending the match with a win for his team.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been a showcase of cricketing brilliance, with players from around the world converging to exhibit their prowess. Among the league’s luminaries, Jos Buttler recently distinguished himself by scoring an unbeaten century against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), solidifying his position as a premier batsman. This extraordinary feat not only advanced his team, Rajasthan Royals (RR), to a thrilling victory but also elevated him above Chris Gayle in the record books.

Jos Buttler’s Journey to IPL Stardom

Jos Buttler’s cricketing journey is a testament to his relentless hard work and innate talent. Having started his career in England, Buttler quickly made a name for himself with his aggressive batting style. Buttler blasted his way to an unbeaten 60-ball 107 as Rajasthan pulled off the IPL’s biggest run chase chase by gunning down 224/8.

See Also: Netizens can’t stop praising Buttler for RR chase

His entry into the IPL marked the beginning of a new chapter, where his ability to play high-impact innings became evident. Over the years, his role as a key player for Rajasthan Royals has been cemented by numerous match-winning performances.

Buttler’s century against KKR not only changed the course of the match but also significantly boosted the team’s morale. His teammates and the management lauded his ability to rise to the occasion and deliver when it mattered most.

The Record-Breaking Century

In a high-stakes game against KKR, Buttler showcased his exceptional skill by scoring 107 runs off just 60 balls. This match is now noted as the IPL’s biggest run chase, with Rajasthan successfully chasing down a daunting total of 224 runs. Buttler’s innings was punctuated by exquisite stroke play and strategic acumen, making it a spectacle for cricket aficionados.

Historical Context

Before Buttler, Chris Gayle was celebrated for his six centuries in the IPL, a record that stood as a benchmark of batting excellence. Buttler’s latest century has pushed him to the second position on the list of most hundreds in IPL history, just one behind Virat Kohli.

Virat Kohli’s Influence and Record

Virat Kohli remains the top century-maker in the IPL with eight hundreds. Buttler and Kohli’s performances offer a fascinating study of contrasting batting styles—Kohli’s calculated aggression versus Buttler’s dynamic explosiveness.

Most IPL hundreds
8 – Virat Kohli
7 – Jos Buttler
6 – Chris Gayle
4 – KL Rahul
4 – David Warner
4 – Shane Watson

Most hundreds in IPL run-chases
3 – Jos Buttler
2 – Virat Kohli
2 – Ben Stokes

Multiple hundreds against a team (IPL)
3 – KL Rahul vs MI
2 – Jos Buttler vs KKR
2 – Jos Buttler vs RCB
2 – Chris Gayle vs PBKS
2 – Virat Kohli vs GL
2 – David Warner vs KKR

Most T20 hundreds in a winning cause
16 – Chris Gayle
8 – Babar Azam
8 – Jos Buttler
Each of Buttler’s eight T20 hundreds have come in a winning cause.

Jos Buttler’s recent performance in the IPL 2024 is nothing short of historic. In a thrilling match against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens, Buttler not only showcased his formidable batting skills but also led the Rajasthan Royals to the highest successful run chase in IPL history.

Breaking Down Buttler’s Performance

Buttler’s innings was a crescendo of skill, determination, and strategic prowess. Initially, the Royals struggled, losing early wickets, which set the stage for Buttler’s remarkable comeback.

See Also: Rajasthan Royals beat Kolkata Knight Riders by 2 wickets; Points Table updated

Early in his innings, Buttler appeared conservative, scoring 40 runs off 30 balls—a strike rate that was uncharacteristic given the high target. His cautious approach laid a stable foundation, despite the team’s precarious position.

Post the slow start, Buttler switched gears dramatically. The next 30 balls saw him blasting 67 runs, demonstrating a master class in batting under pressure. His ability to escalate his strike rate from 130 to nearly 180 by the end of his innings was a key factor in the chase.

Record-Breaking Chase

The Royals’ successful chase of a towering 224 set a new record in IPL history, largely credited to Buttler’s dynamic innings. This not only added a remarkable chapter to the IPL’s legacy but also underscored the high competitive standards of the league.

Highest successful run-chase in IPL

Multiple hundreds against a team (IPL)
3 – KL Rahul vs MI
2 – Jos Buttler vs KKR
2 – Jos Buttler vs RCB
2 – Chris Gayle vs PBKS
2 – Virat Kohli vs GL
2 – David Warner vs KKR

Most T20 hundreds in a winning cause
16 – Chris Gayle
8 – Babar Azam
8 – Jos Buttler
Each of Buttler’s eight T20 hundreds have come in a winning cause.

Buttler’s Position Among IPL Legends

With this century, Buttler now holds the record for the second-most centuries in the IPL, nearing Virat Kohli’s record. His consistent performance underlines his status as one of the IPL’s all-time greats.

Players to hit the most centuries in IPL history

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is renowned for its thrilling matches, but the 31st match of the 2024 season between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) at Eden Gardens will be remembered as one of the most exhilarating. This match saw not only individual brilliance but also a historic team effort, particularly from Rajasthan Royals who executed the highest successful chase ever in IPL history.

KKR’s Innings Overview

KKR opened their innings with Phil Salt and Sunil Narine. Despite losing Salt early, Narine took the game by storm. His aggressive batting not only stabilized KKR’s innings but also set a monumental target.

See Also: IPL 2024: Netizens go gaga after Sunil Narine’s blistering century against RR

KKR got off to a good start despite losing Phil Salt early as they raced to 56/1 in the Power-play thanks mainly to West Indies dasher Sunil Narine and young Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who was promoted to the No.3 position and made it count with an 18-ball 30. KKR reached 101/1 at the halfway stage.

But they lost a couple of wickets in quick succession, Raghuvanshi returning to the dugout after adding 85 runs for the second-wicket partnership with Narine. 

From 106/2, KKR slumped to 133/3 as skipper Shreyas Iyer was trapped LBW by Chahal. But the setbacks did not matter much for Sunil Narine as the West Indies allrounder continued with his power-hitting, hammering shots around the ground as he raced to his century off 49 balls.

Highest Successful run chase in IPL History

Narine’s Knock

Sunil Narine, known for his explosive batting, outdid himself by scoring a breathtaking 109 off 56 balls. His innings was adorned with 13 boundaries and six maximums, making him the third KKR player to score a century in the IPL and the first to do so at Eden Gardens.

RR’s Rocky Start

On a vibrant Tuesday evening, the stage was set at Kolkata’s iconic Eden Gardens. With the pitch looking favorable for batting, anticipation was high among the cricketing fraternity. Rajasthan Royals, led by Sanju Samson, were put into the field after losing the toss, setting the scene for a high-voltage encounter.

Chasing a formidable target of 224, RR had a less than ideal start. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sanju Samson departed early, putting pressure on the middle order.

As RR struggled to find rhythm, KKR tightened their grip with strategic bowling changes. Harshit Rana and Sunil Narine picked crucial wickets, making the chase even more challenging.

The thirteenth over brought a surge for KKR as spinner Varun Chakravarthy clinched the wickets of R Ashwin and Shimron Hetmeyer on consecutive deliveries. Ashwin managed 8 runs off 11 balls before departing without scoring, while Hetmeyer was sent back for a duck.

Amidst falling wickets, Jos Buttler was a pillar of strength for RR. His calculated aggression and keen eye helped him notch up a fifty in just 36 balls, keeping RR in the hunt.

Narine continued his dominance, grabbing his second wicket by dismissing Rovman Powell in the 17th over. Powell had scored a promising 26 runs off 13 balls before his dismissal.

In the 18th over, RR suffered the loss of their eighth wicket as Trent Boult was run-out. Despite wickets falling steadily from the other end, opener Jos Buttler remained resolute. With remarkable composure, Buttler not only reached his century but did so in spectacular fashion, smashing a ton off just 55 balls. The English batter anchored the innings, staying unbeaten at 107 runs, guiding his team to a thrilling 2-wicket victory.

The Winning Moment

In a nail-biting finish, Buttler’s unbeaten 107 off 60 balls guided RR to a historic two-wicket victory. His innings was not just about the runs but the hope it instilled in his team.

Most runs added after the fall of 6th wicket in a successful IPL
run-chase
103 – RR vs KKR, Kolkata, 2024
91 – RCB vs GL, Bengaluru, 2016 Q1
85 – CSK vs MI, Mumbai WS, 2018
78 – CSK vs SRH, Mumbai WS, 2018 Q1
76 – DC vs GL, Kanpur, 2017

Most individual hundreds in an IPL match
2 – RCB vs GL, Bengaluru, 2016
2 – SRH vs RCB, Hyderabad, 2019
2 – SRH vs RCB, Hyderabad, 2023
2 – RCB vs GT, Bengaluru, 2023
2 – RR vs RCB, Jaipur, 2024
2 – KKR vs RR, Kolkata, 2024

100 and wicket(s) in an IPL match
107 & 3/21 – Chris Gayle (RCB) vs PBKS, Bengaluru, 2011
175* & 2/5 – Chris Gayle (RCB) vs PWI, Bengaluru, 2013
104* & 2/38 – Shane Watson (RR) vs KKR, Brabourne, 2015
106 & 1/13 – Shane Watson (CSK) vs RR, Pune, 2018
109 & 2/30 – Sunil Narine (KKR) vs RR, Kolkata, 2024

IPL Points Table 2024

Jos Buttler, the dynamic batter from Rajasthan Royals (RR), scripted history on Saturday as he climbed to the eighth position in the list of highest run-getters in T20 cricket. His stellar performance during RR’s Indian Premier League (IPL) clash against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at Jaipur not only showcased his batting prowess but also underscored his significance in the world of cricket.

Buttler Surpasses Rohit Sharma

In a sensational batting display, Jos Buttler outshone Mumbai Indians (MI) and Indian cricket icon Rohit Sharma to secure the eighth position in the T20 run-scoring charts. Buttler’s monumental achievement came during his 100th IPL match, during which he dazzled the audience with a scintillating unbeaten century.

See Also: IPL 2024: Key points behind the win of RR against RCB

Buttler’s Stellar Performance in IPL 2024

Buttler’s century scored off just 58 balls with nine fours and four sixes, not only propelled him up the run-scoring ladder but also showcased his ability to dominate the game. His remarkable innings played at a strike rate of over 172, left a lasting impression on cricket enthusiasts worldwide.

With this century, Buttler now boasts a staggering record of 11,281 runs in 407 T20 matches, with an average of 34.71 and a strike rate exceeding 144. His illustrious career includes seven centuries and 80 fifties, with a highest score of 124.

Buttler’s Long-awaited Sixth IPL Century

Buttler’s century in his 100th IPL match marked a significant turnaround in his IPL journey. After a period of struggle, including three ducks and inconsistent performances, Buttler showcased his class with a memorable century against RCB.

Notably, Buttler’s sixth IPL century ties him with West Indies legend Chris Gayle for the second-most centuries in IPL history. With just three more centuries, Buttler could surpass Virat Kohli’s record of eight IPL tons.

After winning the game against RCB, Buttler said that the game keeps challenging players even if they have played it for a long time, and he felt a big relief after his knock against RCB.

“Even, how long you have played the game. It always keeps challenging you. It keeps sort of testing your mind. Sometimes there is no reason why your perceived form comes back. I feel a big relief today and it is nice to contribute,” said Buttler.

Buttler’s ‘Player of the Match’ Tally

In addition to his batting exploits, Buttler also clinched his 11th ‘Player of the Match’ award for Rajasthan Royals, surpassing veteran Ajinkya Rahane’s tally of 10 awards. This accolade further solidifies Buttler’s status as a match-winner for his franchise.

Buttler’s Remarkable Contribution to RR

Buttler’s century not only secured victory for RR but also propelled him to become the franchise’s second-highest run-getter in all T20 cricket. His remarkable tally of 2,831 runs at an average of 42.25 and a strike rate exceeding 148 underscores his invaluable contribution to RR’s success.