When you think of the Indian Premier League (IPL), explosive batting, sky-high sixes, and rapid-fire scoring usually come to mind. However, every once in a while, we witness something quite the opposite, so slowest innings that they become unforgettable for all the wrong reasons.
In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 slowest innings in IPL history, combining the latest IPL 2025 performances with historical context to give you a complete picture.
Why Do Slow Innings Happen in T20?
Despite being a format known for speed, T20 cricket often forces batters into cautious mode due to:
- Tough pitch conditions
- Quality bowling attacks
- Pressure of match situations
- Need to anchor innings after early collapses
These slow innings, while not flashy, are often a result of calculated decisions or moments of struggle. Let’s dive into the most notable ones.
Top 10 Slowest IPL Innings by Players (As of 2025)
| Rank | Player | Score (Balls Faced) | Strike Rate | Match & Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Travis Head | 28 (29) | 96.6 | vs MI, Apr 17, 2025 |
| 2 | Rahul Tripathi | 16 (22) | 72.7 | vs KKR, Apr 11, 2025 |
| 3 | KL Rahul | 11 (16) | 68.8 | vs MI, May 21, 2025 |
| 4 | Chris Gayle | 10 (24) | 41.7 | vs MI, 2015 |
| 5 | Manvinder Bisla | 9 (22) | 40.9 | vs RR, 2011 |
| 6 | MS Dhoni | 8* (22) | 36.4 | vs KKR, 2016 |
| 7 | Yashpal Singh | 6 (20) | 30.0 | vs KKR, 2009 |
| 8 | JP Duminy | 59 (63) | 93.7 | vs PBKS, 2009 |
| 9 | Virat Kohli | 43 (35) | 122.9 | IPL 2025 Final |
| 10 | Ayush Badoni | 23 (18) | 127.8 | IPL 2025 |
Player Highlights & Context
1. Travis Head – 28 (29) vs MI, 2025
Travis Head, known for aggressive batting, shocked fans with his uncharacteristically slow innings. Despite playing at the Wankhede, a batter-friendly venue, he managed just 28 off 29 balls. Interestingly, this knock came during a milestone match where he became the second-fastest to 1000 IPL runs.
2. Rahul Tripathi – 16 (22) vs KKR, 2025
Tripathi’s sluggish innings was criticized by fans and experts alike. With a strike rate of just 72.7, his innings disrupted SRH’s momentum during a crucial phase.
3. KL Rahul – 11 (16) vs MI, 2025
Rahul, often blamed for slow starts, added to the criticism with this knock. While he is generally consistent, this was one of his worst strike rates in recent years.
4. Chris Gayle – 10 (24) vs MI, 2015
Even the Universe Boss isn’t immune to poor form. His 10 off 24 balls came as a surprise, considering his explosive reputation.
5. Manvinder Bisla – 9 (22) vs RR, 2011
Known for his heroic 2012 final, Bisla’s earlier seasons weren’t as fruitful. This slow knock showed his struggles with consistency.
6. MS Dhoni – 8* (22) vs KKR, 2016
Captain Cool played one of his most passive innings here. Whether it was due to pitch conditions or tactical planning, the knock remains his slowest.
7. Yashpal Singh – 6 (20) vs KKR, 2009
In one of the earliest IPL seasons, Yashpal’s 30 strike rate highlighted the era’s lack of aggressive depth in batting.
8. JP Duminy – 59 (63) vs PBKS, 2009
While he scored a half-century, Duminy’s 63-ball stay is still considered too slow for T20 standards.
9. Virat Kohli – 43 (35) in IPL 2025 Final
Under the pressure of a final, even Kohli had to slow down. Though his strike rate wasn’t terrible, it was uncharacteristically restrained.
10. Ayush Badoni – 23 (18) in IPL 2025
In modern T20 cricket, even a strike rate of 127.8 can seem slow depending on the match context. Badoni’s innings lacked intent during a high chase.
Patterns and Observations
- Pitch & Conditions: Matches played on slower, turning pitches see more sluggish knocks.
- Match Pressure: Finals and low-chase games bring out cautious gameplay.
- Bowling Quality: Top bowlers can tie down even the most aggressive batters.
- Batting Position: Players batting at No. 3 or 4 tend to take more time to settle.
Conclusion
Slow innings in the IPL may not be crowd-pleasers, but they add a unique dimension to the game. They show that even in T20 cricket, not every ball can be smashed, and sometimes, resilience matters more than speed.
As IPL continues to evolve, such innings will likely become rarer, but when they do happen, they certainly get everyone talking!
FAQs:
What is the slowest innings in IPL history?
Travis Head’s 28 off 29 balls in IPL 2025 is currently the slowest by balls faced with under-100 strike rate in recent seasons.
Which Indian player played the slowest IPL innings?
KL Rahul played a 16-ball 11 run knock in IPL 2025, one of the slowest by an Indian in recent times.
Are slow innings always bad in IPL?
Not necessarily. Sometimes, they help stabilize innings during collapses. However, context is crucial.
Have legends like MS Dhoni or Gayle played slow innings?
Yes. Dhoni scored 8* off 22 (2016) and Gayle made 10 off 24 (2015).
Is a strike rate below 100 common in IPL?
No. In fact, it’s rare in the modern game. Most players aim for 130+ in today’s high-scoring format.
What contributes to a slow strike rate?
Factors include pitch difficulty, strong bowling, pressure situations, and personal form.