Scoring a century in the Indian Premier League (IPL) is a proud moment for any batsman. But sometimes, even the finest knocks don’t guarantee a win. In T20 cricket, where teamwork decides the outcome, some amazing individual performances have still ended on the losing side.
In this article, we look at the Most IPL Centuries In A Losing Cause, featuring five players who played brilliant innings but saw their teams fall short.
List of Most IPL Centuries In A Losing Cause
5. Sanju Samson – 2 Centuries
Sanju Samson, the captain of Rajasthan Royals, is known for his clean hitting and calm presence. But two of his best IPL knocks ended in defeat, earning him a spot in the Most IPL Centuries In A Losing Cause list.
In 2019, he scored 102 runs vs Sunrisers Hyderabad as RR posted 198. But Hyderabad chased the target with an over to spare. Again in 2021, Samson smashed a superb 119 against Punjab Kings, almost taking his team to victory while chasing 222. Sadly, RR fell short by 4 runs.
| Year | Opponent | Runs | Result |
| 2019 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 102 | Lost by 5 wickets |
| 2021 | Punjab Kings | 119 | Lost by 4 runs |
4. Hashim Amla – 2 Centuries
Hashim Amla, one of the most respected cricketers in world cricket, brought his classic batting style to the IPL during his time with Kings XI Punjab. In the 2017 season, he scored two centuries – both ending in defeat. This earned him a place in the Most IPL Centuries In A Losing Cause list.
Amla first scored 104 runs against Mumbai Indians. Despite his superb knock, Punjab couldn’t defend the target and lost the match. His second century also came in the same season, against Gujarat Lions. Again, he scored exactly 104 runs off just 60 balls. But Punjab’s bowling fell apart, and the opposition chased the target easily.
| Year | Opponent | Runs | Result |
| 2017 | Mumbai Indians | 104 | Lost by 8 wickets |
| 2017 | Gujarat Lions | 104 | Lost by 6 wickets |
3. Ruturaj Gaikwad – 2 Centuries
Ruturaj Gaikwad, the calm opener from Chennai Super Kings, is another name on the Most IPL Centuries In A Losing Cause chart. He delivered two excellent innings that couldn’t win matches.
In 2021, Gaikwad scored an unbeaten 101* against Rajasthan Royals. Chennai set a target of 189, but Rajasthan chased it down comfortably in 17.3 overs. His second century came in 2024, when he hammered 108 against Lucknow Super Giants. Chennai reached 210, but Marcus Stoinis turned the match around with a fiery 124, sealing the game for LSG.
| Year | Opponent | Runs | Result |
| 2021 | Rajasthan Royals | 101* | Lost by 7 wickets |
| 2024 | Lucknow Super Giants | 108 | Lost by 5 wickets |
2. KL Rahul – 2 Centuries
KL Rahul is a reliable IPL performer and a stylish run-scorer. However, two of his finest hundreds also fall under the Most IPL Centuries In A Losing Cause.
In 2019, playing for Punjab Kings, Rahul scored an unbeaten 100 against Mumbai Indians. Punjab posted 197, but Mumbai won thanks to Kieron Pollard’s power-hitting. In 2025, Rahul hit 112* for Delhi Capitals against Gujarat Titans. Delhi made 199, but Gujarat chased it down without losing a wicket, with unbeaten knocks from Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill.
| Year | Opponent | Runs | Result |
| 2019 | Mumbai Indians | 100* | Lost by 3 wickets |
| 2025 | Gujarat Titans | 112* | Lost by 10 wickets |
1. Virat Kohli – 3 Centuries
Virat Kohli, the face of Royal Challengers Bengaluru and IPL’s all-time top scorer, leads the Most IPL Centuries In A Losing Cause list with three such knocks.
His first such century was against Gujarat Lions in 2016. He scored a quickfire 100, but Gujarat chased 180 easily. In 2023, Kohli’s 101 against Gujarat Titans was overshadowed by Shubman Gill’s ton. Then in 2024, Kohli scored a massive 113 against Rajasthan Royals, but the team could only post 183. RR chased it with ease, thanks to Jos Buttler’s century.
Kohli’s commitment and class are unquestionable. But these three matches prove how even legends can end up with their best efforts unfulfilled. He is the only player to feature three times in the Most IPL Centuries In A Losing Cause story.
| Year | Opponent | Runs | Result |
| 2016 | Gujarat Lions | 100 | Lost by 6 wickets |
| 2023 | Gujarat Titans | 101 | Lost by 6 wickets |
| 2024 | Rajasthan Royals | 113 | Lost by 6 wickets |
“Most IPL Centuries In A Losing Cause” is a rare and emotional record highlighting not just talent but also the heartbreak behind cricket’s unpredictability. These five players have shown incredible spirit, proving that their will to fight never fades even in defeat.
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