Virat Kohli became the first player to score four hundreds in a single season during IPL 2016, a record matched by Jos Buttler in 2022.
Scoring a century in any format is an exceptional feat for a batter, but reaching the three-figure mark in T20 cricket, with its fast-paced nature, is particularly challenging. It’s a notable achievement that highlights a player’s skill and dominance.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has witnessed extraordinary batting performances throughout its history. Over the course of 16 editions, 87 centuries have been scored in the tournament. Former New Zealand cricketer Brendon McCullum was the first player to achieve this milestone in IPL, when he scored an unbeaten 158 off just 73 balls in the very first match of IPL 2008. McCullum’s innings, laced with 10 fours and 13 sixes, set the stage for the thrilling brand of T20 cricket IPL has come to represent, as he led Kolkata Knight Riders against Royal Challengers Bangalore in Bengaluru.
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Virat Kohli’s name is synonymous with records in IPL. Not only does he hold the record for the most centuries in the league, but he was also the first player to score four centuries in a single season. Kohli’s form in IPL 2016 was incredible, with him amassing four centuries and a staggering total of 973 runs in just 16 innings. His average for that season was an exceptional 81.08, and he maintained a strike rate of 152.03. Notably, Kohli’s 973 runs remain the highest tally in a single IPL season to this day. In IPL 2022, Jos Buttler equaled Kohli’s record of most centuries in a single season, cementing his own place among IPL’s elite.
Virat Kohli in IPL 2016: Four Hundreds
| Sr. No. | Runs | Balls | 4s/6s | Opponent | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 100* | 63 | 11/1 | Gujarat Lions | Rajkot | 24 Apr |
| 2 | 108* | 58 | 8/7 | Rising Pune Supergiant | Bengaluru | 7 May |
| 3 | 109 | 55 | 5/8 | Gujarat Lions | Bengaluru | 14 May |
| 4 | 113 | 50 | 12/8 | Punjab Kings | Bengaluru | 18 May |
100* vs Gujarat Lions, Rajkot
Kohli’s maiden IPL century came in a match against Gujarat Lions on April 24, 2016, in Rajkot. Opening the innings, he remained unbeaten on 100 from 63 balls, including 11 fours and one six. Despite his efforts and KL Rahul’s half-century, RCB posted 180/2, but Gujarat Lions chased it down with three balls to spare.
108* vs Rising Pune Supergiant, Bengaluru
Kohli’s second century was against Rising Pune Supergiant in Bengaluru on May 7, 2016. Chasing 192 set by MS Dhoni’s RPS, Kohli’s unbeaten 108 off 58 balls, featuring eight fours and seven sixes, helped RCB secure a victory with three balls to spare.
109 vs Gujarat Lions, Bengaluru
In another clash against Gujarat Lions on May 14, 2016, Kohli scored 109 off just 55 balls. Along with AB de Villiers, who smashed 129* off 52 balls, Kohli formed a record-breaking 229-run partnership. This remains the highest partnership in IPL history. RCB posted 248, eventually winning by 144 runs.
113 vs Punjab Kings, Bengaluru
Kohli’s fourth century came against Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab) on May 18, 2016, in Bengaluru. With a 147-run opening stand between Chris Gayle (73 off 32) and Kohli, RCB posted 211/3, with Kohli scoring 113 off 50 balls. RCB won by 82 runs via the DLS method.
RCB’s IPL 2016 Journey
Despite Virat Kohli’s incredible run of form, RCB ended up as runners-up in the 2016 IPL season. In the final, Sunrisers Hyderabad, led by David Warner, set a target of 209, and though RCB came close with Gayle scoring 76 and Kohli 54, they fell short by eight runs. Kohli was the tournament’s standout batsman, while Yuzvendra Chahal impressed with the ball, taking 21 wickets in 13 matches.
Virat Kohli’s International Century Record
Kohli stands second in the list of most international centuries, with 79 centuries in 571 innings, trailing only Sachin Tendulkar, who holds the record with 100 centuries. As of November 7, 2023, Kohli has 49 ODI centuries, 29 in Tests, and one in T20Is. After a century drought of nearly three years, Kohli scored his first T20I century in September 2022, smashing 122* against Afghanistan, which was the highest score by an Indian in T20Is at the time. He ended his long wait for a Test century in March 2023 against Australia in the fourth Test of the series.
Jos Buttler Equals Kohli’s Record
In IPL 2022, Jos Buttler matched Kohli’s record of four centuries in a single season. Buttler’s stellar form, which saw him score centuries against Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals, and Royal Challengers Bangalore, helped take Rajasthan Royals to their first IPL final since 2008.
Shubman Gill’s Near Record
In IPL 2023, Shubman Gill came close to equaling Kohli and Buttler’s record by scoring three centuries in the season.
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