Introduction
Sachin Tendulkar IPL highest score is a number that every Indian cricket fan should know by heart: 100 not out. But here’s the thing—it happened only once. Just once in 78 IPL matches. And that one innings? It was pure magic.
When the IPL started in 2008, many wondered if the Master Blaster could adapt to the fast-paced T20 format. After all, he was a classical batsman. T20 was about power hitting. Could Sachin really dominate?
The answer came on April 15, 2011. On that Friday night at Wankhede Stadium, Sachin Tendulkar did something he had never done before in his entire T20 career. He scored a century. And it wasn’t just any century—it was a statement.
This article breaks down everything about Sachin Tendulkar’s IPL highest score. We’ll cover the match, the innings, the records, and why this knock still matters.
Sachin Tendulkar IPL Highest Score: The Historic 100* Against Kochi Tuskers Kerala
The Match That Changed Everything
The date was April 15, 2011. Just two weeks after India won the World Cup at the same venue—Wankhede Stadium. The stadium was hosting its first match since that historic night .
Mumbai Indians were up against Kochi Tuskers Kerala. Sachin Tendulkar was the captain. And he was in the mood to make history.
The Innings: 66 Balls of Pure Class
Here’s what Sachin did that night:
- Score: 100 not out off just 66 balls
- Strike Rate: Over 151
- Boundaries: A mix of classical straight drives and even a helicopter shot
- Partnership: 116 runs with Ambati Rayudu (who scored 53)
Mumbai Indians posted 182/2 on the board. It seemed like a winning total.
Why This Innings Was Special
Sachin was never known as a T20 power hitter. He was the classical Test and ODI batsman. But on this night, he showed he could do it all.
The knock included:
- The trademark straight drive for four off the very first ball
- A rare helicopter shot towards square leg as he neared his century
- His first and only century in the T20 format
He became the 5th Indian and the 1st captain to score a century in the IPL .
The Heartbreaking Result
Here’s the painful part. Sachin’s century went in vain.
Kochi Tuskers Kerala chased down the target with 8 wickets in hand. Brendon McCullum (81) and Mahela Jayawardene (56) played brilliant knocks .
Mumbai lost the match. But Sachin’s innings became immortal.
Sachin Tendulkar IPL Career: The Numbers Behind the Legend
Overall IPL Stats
Sachin played 6 IPL seasons from 2008 to 2013, all for Mumbai Indians .
Here’s his complete IPL record:
- Matches: 78
- Runs: 2,334
- Highest Score: 100* (vs Kochi Tuskers Kerala, 2011)
- Average: 34.83
- Strike Rate: 119.81
- Centuries: 1
- Half-Centuries: 13
Season-by-Season Breakdown
| Season | Matches | Runs | Highest Score | Average | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 7 | 188 | 65 | 31.33 | 106.2 |
| 2009 | 13 | 364 | 68 | 33.09 | 121.7 |
| 2010 | 15 | 618 | 89 | 47.54 | 133.5 |
| 2011 | 16 | 553 | 100* | 42.54 | 113.3 |
| 2012 | 13 | 324 | 74 | 27.00 | 114.5 |
| 2013 | 14 | 287 | 54 | 20.50 | 124.2 |
| Career | 78 | 2,334 | 100* | 33.83 | 120.2 |
The 2010 Season: When Sachin Was Unstoppable
If 2011 gave us his highest score, 2010 was his best season overall.
- 618 runs in 15 matches
- Orange Cap winner (most runs in the season)
- Average of 47.53
- Strike Rate of 133.5
This was Sachin at his absolute peak in T20 cricket.
Sachin Tendulkar IPL Highest Score vs Other MI Legends
Sachin’s 100* remains one of the most iconic innings in Mumbai Indians history. But how does it compare to other MI legends?
Highest Individual Scores for Mumbai Indians
| Player | Score | Opponent | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sachin Tendulkar | 100* | Kochi Tuskers Kerala | 2011 |
| Suryakumar Yadav | 100+ | – | 2023 |
| Rohit Sharma | 100+ | – | – |
Suryakumar Yadav became the 5th MI player to score an IPL century, joining Sachin and Rohit Sharma in an elite list
Sachin was the first Indian to score a century for Mumbai Indians. That’s a legacy that can never be taken away.
Why Sachin Tendulkar’s IPL Century Still Matters
1. It Proved He Could Adapt
T20 cricket was supposed to be for young, aggressive players. Sachin was 37 when he scored that century. He proved that class is permanent.
2. It Was His Only T20 Century
Sachin played 78 IPL matches. He scored exactly one century. That makes this innings even more precious.
3. It Came at Wankhede
The same ground where India won the World Cup just two weeks earlier. The same ground where Sachin cried tears of joy. This century was another gift to Mumbai.
4. It Showed His Range
From classical straight drives to helicopter shots—this innings had everything. It was a complete batting masterclass.
Summary Table: Sachin Tendulkar IPL Highest Score Key Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Highest Score | 100* (not out) |
| Opponent | Kochi Tuskers Kerala |
| Date | April 15, 2011 |
| Venue | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai |
| Balls Faced | 66 |
| Strike Rate | 151.51 |
| Partnership | 116 runs with Ambati Rayudu |
| Match Result | Mumbai Indians lost by 8 wickets |
| Total IPL Runs | 2,334 |
| Total IPL Matches | 78 |
| IPL Centuries | 1 |
| IPL Half-Centuries | 13 |
| Best Season | 2010 (618 runs, Orange Cap) |
| IPL Career Span | 2008–2013 |
Conclusion: The Master Blaster’s T20 Legacy
Sachin Tendulkar’s IPL highest score of 100* is more than just a number. It’s a reminder that greatness finds a way, no matter the format.
He wasn’t a T20 specialist. He wasn’t a power hitter. But on one magical night in April 2011, he showed the world that the Master Blaster could dominate any version of the game.
The verdict? Sachin’s IPL career was short but impactful. He won the Orange Cap in 2010. He scored the first century by an Indian for Mumbai Indians. And he retired as an IPL champion in 2013 .
That century against Kochi Tuskers Kerala? It remains the highest score of his IPL career. And for cricket fans, it’s a memory that will never fade.
FAQ Section
1. What is Sachin Tendulkar’s highest score in IPL?
Sachin Tendulkar’s highest score in IPL is 100 not out off 66 balls, scored against Kochi Tuskers Kerala on April 15, 2011, at Wankhede Stadium .
2. How many centuries did Sachin Tendulkar score in IPL?
Sachin scored exactly one century in his entire IPL career. It came in the 2011 season against Kochi Tuskers Kerala .
3. Did Sachin Tendulkar win the Orange Cap in IPL?
Yes. Sachin won the Orange Cap in 2010 after scoring 618 runs in 15 matches at an average of 47.53 and a strike rate of 133.5 .
4. How many runs did Sachin Tendulkar score in IPL?
Sachin scored 2,334 runs in 78 IPL matches at an average of 34.83, with a strike rate of 119.81 .
5. When did Sachin Tendulkar retire from IPL?
Sachin retired from IPL in 2013 after Mumbai Indians won their first IPL title. He announced his retirement moments after the final victory against Chennai Super Kings .
