Table of Contents
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is renowned for its high-octane drama and individual brilliance. Yet, some of the tournament’s most memorable performances have ended in heartbreak, with players scoring centuries only to see their teams fall short.
As of May 18, 2025, five players stand out for having scored multiple IPL centuries in losing cause.
Players with most IPL tons in losing cause
Here’s a closer look at each player’s bittersweet achievements and the stories behind their unfulfilled heroics.
1) Virat Kohli: The unlucky trailblazer (3 centuries)
Virat Kohli, the face of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), leads this unwanted list with three centuries in defeats. Kohli’s consistency and hunger for runs are legendary, but even his best efforts have sometimes been in vain.
2016 vs Gujarat Lions: Kohli smashed a century but RCB’s bowlers couldn’t defend the total, resulting in a loss.
2023 vs Gujarat Titans: Another unbeaten ton came in a high-stakes match, yet RCB faltered in the chase or defense.
2024 vs Rajasthan Royals: Kohli’s unbeaten 113 was a masterclass in anchoring, but his strike rate was questioned as RCB failed to chase down the target, highlighting the fine margins in T20 cricket.
Kohli’s record underscores not just his brilliance, but also RCB’s recurring struggles to convert individual milestones into team victories.
2) Hashim Amla: Pure class, no reward (2 centuries)
South African maestro Hashim Amla’s IPL stint was brief but impactful. In 2017, he scored two centuries for Kings XI Punjab-both ending in defeat.
104* vs Mumbai Indians (2017): Amla’s unbeaten knock was overshadowed by Mumbai’s successful chase.
104 vs Gujarat Lions (2017): Another sublime innings, but Punjab’s bowlers couldn’t defend the total.
Amla’s centuries were marked by elegant strokeplay, but his team’s inability to support him with the ball meant his efforts went unrewarded.
3) KL Rahul: Consistency amidst chaos (2 centuries)
KL Rahul’s adaptability has seen him score centuries for three different IPL franchises – Punjab Kings, Lucknow Super Giants and Delhi Capitals. Two of his tons, however, came in losing causes.
100* for Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians (2019): Rahul’s first IPL century in a losing cause came as Punjab failed to defend his unbeaten ton.
112 for Delhi Capitals vs Gujarat Titans (2025): His latest hundred, a blistering 112 off 65 balls, was not enough as Gujarat Titans chased down the target without losing a wicket.
Rahul’s knack for big scores is evident, but his centuries in defeat highlight the team-dependent nature of T20 success.
4) Ruturaj Gaikwad: Rising Star, Familiar Heartbreak (2 centuries)
Ruturaj Gaikwad, Chennai Super Kings’ stylish opener, has also faced heartbreak despite personal milestones.
101* vs Rajasthan Royals (2021): Gaikwad’s maiden IPL ton was not enough as CSK’s bowlers couldn’t contain Rajasthan.
108* vs Lucknow Super Giants (2024): Another unbeaten effort, but CSK came up short in the defense.
Gaikwad’s centuries in losing causes reflect both his growing stature and the fine balance required in T20 cricket.
5) Sanju Samson: Elegant but unlucky (2 centuries)
Sanju Samson, Rajasthan Royals’ skipper, is known for his flair and big knocks. Twice, his centuries have ended in disappointment.
102* vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (2019): Samson’s unbeaten ton was not enough as SRH chased down the target.
119 vs Punjab Kings (2021): A heroic effort nearly pulled off a miracle, but Rajasthan fell just short in a thrilling chase.
Samson’s centuries are a testament to his talent, but also to the unpredictability of T20 cricket.
Also READ: Top 5 Indian players fastest to 8000 T20 runs ft. KL Rahul
