5 star players you may not know have fewer IPL hundreds than Ajinkya Rahane ft. Suresh Raina

Veteran India batter Ajinkya Rahane has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. The Mumbai-born cricketer shared the news through a video message on his social media platforms, including his YouTube channel, on Thursday, July 30.

Rahane made his international debut in a T20I against England in August 2011, while his final appearance for India came in a Test against the West Indies in July 2023. Across 195 international matches in all three formats, Rahane amassed 8,414 runs, including 15 centuries and 51 half-centuries, with a highest score of 188.

In the IPL, the right-handed batter also brought the curtain down on a distinguished career after featuring in 212 matches. Rahane scored 5,367 runs in 197 innings at an average of 30.15 and a strike rate of 125.60, registering 35 fifties and two centuries. His highest IPL score of an unbeaten 105 off 63 balls came for Rajasthan Royals (RR) against Delhi Capitals (DC) in the 2019 season.

As the 38-year-old bids farewell to the IPL, here’s a look at five star players you may not know have scored fewer IPL centuries than Ajinkya Rahane.

#1 Kevin Pietersen

Former England captain Kevin Pietersen featured in 36 IPL matches, representing Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Delhi Capitals (DC), and Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) during his career.

Across those appearances, the right-hander scored 1,001 runs at an average of 37.07 and a strike rate of 134.72, registering four half-centuries and one century. His only IPL hundred came in the 2012 season while playing for Delhi, when he smashed an unbeaten 103 off 64 balls against the Deccan Chargers.

#2 Faf du Plessis

Veteran batter Faf du Plessis has enjoyed a highly successful IPL career. The opening batter has represented Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), and Delhi Capitals (DC) in the tournament.

Across 154 matches, du Plessis has scored 4,773 runs in 147 innings at an average of 35.09 and a strike rate of 135.78. He has registered 39 half-centuries but is yet to score an IPL hundred. His highest score in the tournament remains 96 off 64 balls, which came for RCB against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the 2022 season.

#3 Suresh Raina

Next on the list is former India batter Suresh Raina, who played for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Gujarat Lions (GL) during his IPL career.

Raina featured in 205 IPL matches, scoring 5,528 runs in 200 innings at an average of 32.51 and a strike rate of 136.73. He registered 39 half-centuries and one century, one fewer than Ajinkya Rahane.

Raina’s only IPL hundred came in the 2013 season while playing for CSK, when he smashed an unbeaten 100 off 53 balls against Punjab Kings (PBKS).

#4 Nicholas Pooran

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) explosive batter Nicholas Pooran has played several stunning innings throughout his IPL career. Since making his debut in 2019, the southpaw has also turned out for Punjab Kings (PBKS) and SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH), featuring in 104 matches overall.

In 101 innings, Pooran has amassed 2,527 runs at an average of 31.58 and an impressive strike rate of 164.09. He has registered 15 half-centuries and is yet to score an IPL hundred, with his highest score being an unbeaten 87.

#5 Sachin Tendulkar

Legendary former India batter Sachin Tendulkar played in the IPL from 2008 to 2013, featuring exclusively for Mumbai Indians (MI) throughout his career in the league.

During his time in the tournament, Tendulkar featured in 78 matches, scoring 2,334 runs at an average of 34.83 and a strike rate of 119.81. He registered 13 half-centuries and one century, with his best being 100 not out, coming in the 2011 edition.