Image: Statistical breakdown of the highest individual scores achieved by captains in IPL history / © BBC
In the IPL, some captains have produced huge scores while also carrying the pressure of leading their teams. The list of highest individual scores by IPL captains has several big names from different eras. Let’s look at some of the best innings so far.
KL Rahul’s 132* against RCB is the biggest score on the list. It was a special innings because he carried his bat through the innings and finished without being dismissed. Rahul has often been trusted to play a major role at the top of the order, and this knock showed how much he could contribute when he stayed in for a long period.
David Warner follows him with 126 against KKR. Warner’s aggressive batting made him one of the toughest openers to contain in the IPL. His 126 came during his time as captain and put him comfortably ahead of the other scores below him.
The next spot is shared by Virender Sehwag and Sanju Samson, who both have 119 to their names. Sehwag reached 119 against the Deccan Chargers. It was very much in keeping with the attacking cricket that became a major part of his IPL career.
He could change the game quickly when he found his timing. Samson also made 119, doing so against Punjab Kings. The Rajasthan Royals batter has produced several important knocks in the tournament, and this remains his highest score among the entries listed here. Both players are only 7 runs short of Warner’s 126, keeping them close to the top of the list.
Rishabh Pant is fifth with an unbeaten 118 against RCB. He falls just 1 run short of the 119 scored by Sehwag and Samson. Pant’s innings also stands out because he remained not out, giving his team a big contribution without losing his wicket. Virat Kohli completes the list with 113 against Punjab Kings.
Kohli has spent much of his IPL career as a key figure for RCB, and his 113 is another example of his ability to make a big score while leading the side. There is only a 19-run difference between Pant’s 118* and Kohli’s 113, showing how closely grouped these performances are.