The Indian Premier League (IPL) has seen some brilliant batting performances over the years, especially from the openers. Opening batters get to face most balls in an innings, which is why the opening batters have scored most of the centuries in the IPL. However, non-openers, too, have made some stellar contributions to IPL over the years.
Cricket fans and betting enthusiasts have trusted many non-opening batters to score big during the IPL on various online cricket betting sites. This blog will look at the highest individual scores by non-opening batters in IPL.
Highest Individual Scores by Non-Openers in IPL
Non-openers have also dazzled and scored quick-fire centuries, showing their importance to the team’s success. Batters like AB de Villiers, Rishabh Pant, and Sanju Samson have played their role perfectly, smashing the bowlers for fun. These players are also top-rated in IPL betting platforms, where cricket fans and betting enthusiasts back them to do well.
The following is a list of the top 5 destructive innings by non-openers in IPL history:
AB de Villiers – 133* vs Mumbai Indians (IPL 2015)
AB de Villiers was at his destructive best when Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) took on the Mumbai Indians (MI) in 2015. Batting first, RCB posted 235 runs, thanks to a blistering 133* from De Villiers off just 59 balls. The smashing innings from AB de Villiers consisted of four sixes and 19 fours. ABD’s innings helped RCB beat MI by 39 runs.
AB de Villiers – 129* vs Gujarat Lions (IPL 2016)
AB de Villiers showed why he is rated so highly as a T20 batter when RCB met Gujarat Lions (GL) in the 2016 season. RCB put a massive 248 runs on the board after being asked to bat first. GL bowlers faced an onslaught from De Villiers, who hit 12 sixes and ten fours on his way to a 52-ball 129. GT succumbed to pressure and was bundled out for just 104.
Rishabh Pant – 128* vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (IPL 2018)
Rishabh Pant was in blistering form when Delhi Capitals (DC) took on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the IPL 2018 league stage fixture at Arun Jaitley Stadium. DC amassed 187 runs after batting first, thanks to Pant’s 63-ball 128. The fantastic knock included 15 fours and seven sixes. However, the century went in vain, as SRH won the match by nine wickets.
Sanju Samson – 119 vs Punjab Kings (IPL 2021)
Sanju Samson put on a batting masterclass at Wankhede in the 2021 season. Against Rajasthan Royals (RR), Punjab Kings piled up 221 in their 20 overs. In reply, RR was always in the game as Samson unleashed his range of shots. The RR skipper made an unbeaten 119 of 63 balls. He smashed seven sixes and 12 fours. However, the Royals fell short by four runs.
Andrew Symonds – 117* vs Rajasthan Royals (IPL 2008)
Andrew Symonds brought the bowlers to their knees when the Deccan Chargers (DC) took on RR in the 2008 season. After being put into bat first, Symonds came to his team’s aid after they stuttered at 75-3. The Aussie smashed the Royals bowlers, quickly bringing up his century. He remained unbeaten on 117* – 11 fours and seven sixes – and the Chargers posted 214/5. But it wasn’t enough, as the Royals sealed the win with a ball to spare.