IPL 2017: Oldest centurions in IPL history
It’s only a few days before the 10th edition of the IPL commences with a rematch of last year’s final between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Over the years, the IPL has witnessed many high totals being scored and batsmen smashing the bowlers to all parts of the ground. So far, 42 centuries have been scored in the IPL; 16 by Indian batsmen, and 26 by overseas batsmen.
Also read: Top 5 fastest 50s in IPL history
Even though T20 cricket is considered to be a game for the youngsters, several batsmen have been able to register big scores despite being in their late 30s. Here are the five oldest centurions in IPL history.
#5 Virender Sehwag – 35 years and 222 days
Virender Sehwag was having a pretty decent IPL in 2014 with the Kings XI Punjab but he produced his best knock when his side needed him the most. Kings XI Punjab were the table toppers ahead of the play-offs but a 28-run loss to Kolkata Knight Riders in the first qualifier meant that they would have to defeat the Chennai Super Kings in the second qualifier to reach their maiden IPL final.
The second qualifier was held at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai and the Kings XI were sent into bat by CSK skipper MS Dhoni. KXIP began slowly in the first three overs before Sehwag went on a rampage. The flamboyant opener smashed the CSK bowlers to all parts of the ground as his opening partner Manan Vohra looked on.
Sehwag went on to reach his second IPL century from 50 deliveries and registered his highest IPL score of 122 before being dismissed by Ashish Nehra. Sehwag’s monumental effort helped KXIP to a mammoth score of 226/6 in their 20 overs.
Chennai Super Kings were in a commanding position at one point in their chase thanks to Suresh Raina who scored the second fastest 50 in IPL history. However, after Raina’s dismissal for 87 off 25 deliveries, CSK never recovered and ended 24 runs short, thus handing KXIP their first entry into an IPL final.
Sehwag was adjudged the Man of the Match for his brilliant knock.