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The 16th edition of the world’s toughest T20 league – the Indian Premier League (IPL) – is just a week away from kicking off, as the defending champions Gujarat Titans (GT) take on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the opening game.
The cash-rich league is surely the best place for a budding cricketer to rise and learn in the company of some of the best cricketers. While IPL has seen many young guns sizzling with their performances, it has also witnessed old cricketers showcasing their class as well.
On that note, let’s have a look at the top 5 youngest and oldest cricketers who have smashed a century in the lucrative tournament:
Youngest Players to hit an IPL ton:
- Manish Pandey – 19yr 253d
Manish Pandey was the first Indian to hit a century in the IPL. While opening for RCB in the 2009 IPL, he smashed unbeaten 114 runs off 73 balls against Deccan Chargers.
- Rishabh Pant – 20yr 218d
Rishabh Pant announced himself in grand style in the 2018 season when he hammered Sunrisers Hyderabad, scoring 128* off 63 balls.
- Devdutt Padikkal – 20yr 289d
Devdutt Padikkal took Rajasthan Royals, bowlers to the cleaners when he brought up his maiden IPL ton in the 2021 season. He scored 101 runs off 52 deliveries.
- Sanju Samson – 22yr 151d
Sanju Samson achieved the feat in 2017 when he was part of Delhi Daredevils. He smashed 102 runs off 63 balls against Rising Pune Supergiant.
- Quinton de Kock – 23yr 122d
In the 2016 season, Delhi Daredevils’ opener Quinton de Kock smashed a stunning century. The Proteas star scored 108 runs off 51 balls, including 15 fours and 3 sixes.
Oldest Players to hit IPL ton:
- Adam Gilchrist – 39 years and 184 days
While playing for Kings XI Punjab, Adam Gilchrist hit a hundred in a match against the Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2011. He scored 106 off 55 balls, including 8 fours and 9 sixes.
- Sanath Jayasuriya – 38 years and 319 days
During the inaugural edition of the IPL, Mumbai Indians’ player Sanath Jayasuriya smashed an unbeaten 114 against Chennai Super Kings.
- Chris Gayle – 38 years and 209 days
In the 2018 season, Chris Gayle, while representing Kings XI Punjab, scored an unbeaten 104 against Sunrisers Hyderabad. He smashed one four and 11 sixes during his unreal knock.
- Sachin Tendulkar – 37 years and 356 days
The iconic Sachin Tendulkar played an incredible knock of 100 runs against Kochi Tuskers Kerala in the 2011 season.
- Shane Watson – 36 years and 344 days
In the 2018 IPL final against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Chennai Super Kings’ opener Shane Watson smashed a tremendous 117 not out, laced up with 11 fours and 8 sixes.
