RCB’s Manish Pandey was the first Indian batsman to score an IPL century. He made 114 not out against the Deccan Chargers at the SuperSport Park, Centurion on 21 May 2009. His innings included 10 fours and 4 sixes. RCB won the match by 12 runs.
The Indian Premier League (IPL), since its inception in 2008, has captivated audiences worldwide with its high-octane action, explosive batting displays, and nail-biting finishes. Scoring a century (100 runs) in any form of cricket is a monumental achievement, requiring exceptional skill, focus, and a touch of luck.
The First Season in 2008
IPL was taking its first steps in the year 2008. There was excitement among fans to witness a brand new brand of cricket featuring the biggest names in the sport at one place. There were 6 centuries hit in the 2008 season, all were from overseas players. New Zealand’s Brendon McCullum hit one in the first match of the tournament (RCB vs KKR).
First IPL Century: Record Holder Manish Pandey
The record for the first Indian batsman to score an IPL century belongs to a then young talent named Manish Pandey. Playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the final group match of the season against Deccan Chargers in Centurion, South Africa, Pandey marked his name in IPL history.
Facing a bowling attack that included experienced names like Ryan Harris and RP Singh, Pandey displayed remarkable composure and strokeplay. His innings of 114 runs came off just 73 balls, studded with 10 boundaries and 4 sixes. Pandey’s knock helped RCB to a comfortable victory and cemented his name in the IPL record books.
Summary of Manish Pandey Innings
Player | Team | Score | Balls Faced | Fours | Sixes | Year |
Manish Pandey | Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) | 114* | 73 | 12 | 3 | 2009 |
IPL Journey of Manish Pandey
Manish Pandey hasn’t replicated his feat of scoring another century in the IPL, he has scored consistent runs for various IPL teams in the last 16 years. Pandey has 3808 IPL runs in 170 matches at an average of 29.07 and hit 22 fifties. He represented MI in 2008, RCB in 2009-10, PWI in 2011-13, SRH in 2018-21, LSG in 2022, DC in 2023 and KKR in 2014-17 and present.
Importance of 1st IPL Century by Indian Batter
Manish Pandey’s century wasn’t just a personal milestone; it marked a significant moment in Indian cricket. It symbolized the emergence of young Indian talent who could hold their own against established international players. This, in turn, inspired a generation of aspiring cricketers, showcasing the possibilities within the IPL.
IPL Centuries by Uncapped Indian Batters in IPL
Player | Team | Score | Balls Faced | Opposition | Year |
Manish Pandey | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 114* | 73 | Deccan Chargers | 2009 |
Paul Valthaty | Kings XI Punjab | 120* | 63 | Chennai Super Kings (CSK) | 2011 |
Devdutt Padikkal | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 101* | 52 | Rajasthan Royals (RR) | 2021 |
Rajat Patidar | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 112* | 54 | Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) | 2022 |
Yashasvi Jaiswal | Rajasthan Royals | 124 | 62 | Mumbai Indians (MI) | 2023 |
Prabhsimran Singh | Punjab Kings | 103 | 65 | Delhi Capitals (DC) | 2023 |