The Indian Premier League (IPL) is celebrated not just for its intense competition and star-studded line-ups, but also for the incredible power-hitting displays that have become a hallmark of the tournament. The spectacle of a cricket ball being hit so hard that it travels an extraordinary distance is one of the most thrilling aspects of any IPL match. This article takes a deep dive into the top 10 longest sixes in IPL history, examining each record-breaking hit that has captivated millions of cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
10. Yuvraj Singh – 119 meters
Yuvraj Singh, known for his fierce batting and sharp cricketing instincts, created an unforgettable moment in the 2009 IPL season. His 119-meter six off Albie Morkel is one of the most iconic long sixes in IPL history. During a match where every run was crucial, Yuvraj’s massive hit not only contributed significantly to his team’s scoreboard but also boosted the morale of his team. The six came during a critical phase of the game, where the momentum was swinging, and Yuvraj’s masterstroke ensured his team stayed in a dominant position.
- Date and Venue: 2009, Kingsmead, Durban
- Bowler: Albie Morkel
- Details of the Shot:
- Type of delivery: Full-length delivery on the leg stump.
- Batting style: Left-handed powerful swing.
- Impact on the match: Helped set a competitive total and shifted the momentum.
- Crowd reaction: The crowd was left in awe as the ball sailed over the boundary.
9. David Miller – 120 meters
David Miller, affectionately known as ‘Killer Miller’ for his explosive batting, is no stranger to hitting big sixes. His 120-meter six during the 2013 IPL is a prime example of his destructive capabilities. Playing for Kings XI Punjab, Miller faced a well-pitched delivery from Dhawal Kulkarni. Instead of playing it safe, Miller launched an incredible counter-attack, striking the ball with immense force and precision. This six was not just about power; it was a display of Miller’s strategic acumen, choosing the right ball and the right moment to make a massive impact.
- Date and Venue: 2013, IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali
- Bowler: Dhawal Kulkarni
- Details of the Shot:
- Type of delivery: Length ball outside off.
- Batting style: Aggressive pull over deep midwicket.
- Impact on the match: Catalyzed a significant turn-around in the innings.
- Crowd reaction: The spectators erupted as the ball flew out of the park.
8. Chris Gayle – 121 meters
Chris Gayle, also known as the ‘Universe Boss’, is renowned for his extraordinary hitting ability. His 121-meter six in the 2013 IPL remains one of the most jaw-dropping moments in cricket. Facing a seemingly innocuous delivery from Aaron Finch, Gayle unleashed a monstrous hit that not only cleared the boundary but seemed to leave the stadium entirely. This six underlines why Gayle is considered one of the most formidable batsmen in T20 cricket. His ability to turn games single-handedly with his power-hitting skills was on full display, leaving both teammates and opponents in disbelief.
- Date and Venue: 2013, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore
- Bowler: Aaron Finch
- Details of the Shot:
- Type of delivery: Off-speed delivery on a length.
- Batting style: Stand and deliver, pure power hitting.
- Impact on the match: Boosted the team’s run rate significantly at a crucial juncture.
- Crowd reaction: The crowd was left spellbound by the sheer distance of the hit.
7. AB de Villiers – 122 meters
AB de Villiers, affectionately known as ‘Mr. 360’ due to his ability to hit shots all around the wicket, scored a 122-meter six that stands out in IPL lore. In a 2018 match, facing a delivery from Corey Anderson, de Villiers demonstrated his skill and innovation. With a flick of his wrists, he sent the ball soaring over deep mid-wicket, a region that few batsmen can target with such ease. This six was a perfect blend of technique, power, and timing, showcasing de Villiers’ multidimensional approach to batting in T20 cricket.
- Date and Venue: 2018, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore
- Bowler: Corey Anderson
- Details of the Shot:
- Type of delivery: Full toss on the pads.
- Batting style: Whip-like swing across the line.
- Impact on the match: Played a key role in building a daunting total.
- Crowd reaction: The stadium roared in appreciation, marveling at the creativity and power of the shot.
6. MS Dhoni – 123 meters
MS Dhoni is celebrated not just for his calm leadership but also for his ability to finish matches with his powerful batting. His 123-meter six in the 2012 IPL is a testament to his strength and strategic thinking. In a packed stadium, against the bowling of James Franklin, Dhoni picked a length delivery and dispatched it high over the long-on boundary. This six not only added crucial runs but also demoralized the opposition, encapsulating Dhoni’s role as a formidable closer in the game.
- Date and Venue: 2012, MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
- Bowler: James Franklin
- Details of the Shot:
- Type of delivery: Length ball on middle and off.
- Batting style: High back-lift and immense follow-through.
- Impact on the match: Ensured a strong finish to the innings, boosting the team’s total.
- Crowd reaction: The home crowd erupted, cheering on their captain’s heroic hit.
5. Adam Gilchrist – 124 meters
Adam Gilchrist, known for revolutionizing the role of wicket-keeper-batsmen, hit one of the longest sixes in IPL history during the 2011 season. His 124-meter strike off Charl Langeveldt is remembered for its velocity and trajectory. Playing at the picturesque Dharamsala stadium, Gilchrist’s mighty swing sent the ball flying high and deep into the mountainous backdrop. This six was not just a display of raw power but also highlighted Gilchrist’s aggressive and fearless approach to batting, making it a memorable moment in IPL history.
- Date and Venue: 2011, Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala
- Bowler: Charl Langeveldt
- Details of the Shot:
- Type of delivery: Short and wide outside off.
- Batting style: Classic hook, executed with perfect timing.
- Impact on the match: Set an aggressive tone for the innings, dominating the bowling attack.
- Crowd reaction: The audience was captivated by the scenic six that seemed to merge with the natural beauty of the venue.
4. Robin Uthappa – 125 meters
Robin Uthappa’s 125-meter six in the 2010 IPL is a highlight of his career. Known for his sharp eye and quick bat speed, Uthappa faced Dwayne Bravo in a packed Eden Gardens. On receiving a slightly over-pitched delivery, he launched it over deep mid-wicket with immense power. This six was a crucial part of his aggressive innings and played a significant role in shaping the outcome of the match. Uthappa’s ability to capitalize on bowler’s errors and convert them into spectacular sixes was on full display, thrilling the home crowd and proving his mettle as a power-hitter.
- Date and Venue: 2010, Eden Gardens, Kolkata
- Bowler: Dwayne Bravo
- Details of the Shot:
- Type of delivery: Over-pitched delivery on middle stump.
- Batting style: Powerful pull, blending aggression with precision.
- Impact on the match: Helped stabilize and then accelerate the innings during a critical phase.
- Crowd reaction: The cheers from the crowd were deafening, underscoring the significance of the shot in the context of the game.
3. Ben Cutting – 126 meters
Ben Cutting etched his name into IPL history with a 126-meter six in the 2016 final, playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad. During the climax of the tournament, against Shane Watson, Cutting executed a shot that was both audacious and spectacular. The delivery, a well-aimed yorker intended to curb his scoring, was masterfully converted into a record-breaking six. This moment was not just about individual brilliance but also about stepping up under pressure, showcasing Cutting’s ability to perform in crucial moments. His six played a pivotal role in securing the championship, making it a legendary moment in IPL finals history.
- Date and Venue: 2016, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore
- Bowler: Shane Watson
- Details of the Shot:
- Type of delivery: Yorker on off-stump.
- Batting style: Incredible wrist work and timing to elevate the ball.
- Impact on the match: Crucial in the final overs, adding to the pressure on the opposition.
- Crowd reaction: The reaction was a mix of shock and awe, as fans and players alike were stunned by the audacity and execution of the shot.
2. Albie Morkel – 127 meters
Albie Morkel’s 127-meter six remains one of the defining moments of the inaugural IPL season in 2008. Facing Pragyan Ojha, Morkel hit a massive six that not only cleared the boundary but also left the stadium, symbolizing the birth of a new cricketing era marked by spectacular power-hitting. This six from Morkel was a critical point in the match, helping his team chase down a challenging target. It demonstrated his ability to change the course of the game with a single swing of the bat, and it remains one of the most talked-about shots in the history of the tournament.
- Date and Venue: 2008, MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
- Bowler: Pragyan Ojha
- Details of the Shot:
- Type of delivery: Flighted delivery on middle stump.
- Batting style: Full swing of the bat, utilizing the arc between long-on and mid-wicket.
- Impact on the match: Played a key role in a nail-biting chase, bolstering his team’s confidence.
- Crowd reaction: The crowd was left in disbelief as the ball made its way out of the playing field, heralding the dramatic impact of T20 cricket in the years to come.
1. Chris Gayle – 128 meters
Chris Gayle’s 128-meter six, the longest in IPL history, came off a delivery from Jacob Oram in 2015. This incredible hit at the Eden Gardens not only surpassed all previous records but also solidified Gayle’s reputation as one of the greatest power-hitters of all time. The six was a perfect storm of strength, timing, and placement, sending the ball soaring out of the stadium and into the annals of cricket history. This monumental six was not just a personal triumph for Gayle but also a highlight reel moment for the IPL, showcasing the thrilling entertainment value of the league.
- Date and Venue: 2015, Eden Gardens, Kolkata
- Bowler: Jacob Oram
- Details of the Shot:
- Type of delivery: Slower ball, full on leg stump.
- Batting style: A classic Gayle force hit, marked by a massive follow-through.
- Impact on the match: Dominated the bowling attack, setting up a huge total.
- Crowd reaction: The crowd’s reaction was a mixture of awe and jubilation, as they witnessed a historic moment in sports.
Conclusion
The top 10 longest sixes in IPL history are not just statistics; they are a testament to the thrilling drama and boundless excitement that the IPL brings to the world of cricket. Each six listed above has its own story, contributing to the rich tapestry of the tournament’s history. These hits have not only entertained millions but have also inspired budding cricketers around the world. As the IPL evolves, these record-breaking sixes will remain a high benchmark, continuing to inspire awe and admiration for the incredible athletic performances that cricket can offer.
