Who scored the most runs in a losing cause?


IPL 2023 Winner

One of the most iconic and heartbreaking records in IPL history:

🥇 Most Runs in a Losing Cause:

Paul Valthaty – 120 (63)*

  • Team: Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab)

  • Opponent: Chennai Super Kings

  • Year: 2011

  • Result: Punjab Kings WON this match — so not a losing cause.

So let's go to the actual record-holders in a losing cause 👇

🏅 Most Runs in a Losing Cause in IPL:

Wriddhiman Saha – 115 (55 balls)*

  • Team: Kings XI Punjab

  • Opponent: Kolkata Knight Riders

  • Match: 2014 IPL Final

  • Result: KKR won by 3 wickets

  • Significance:

    • The only century ever scored in an IPL final

    • Despite his heroic unbeaten knock, KKR chased down 199 in a thriller

🥈 Rishabh Pant – 128 (63 balls)*

  • Team: Delhi Daredevils (now Capitals)

  • Opponent: Sunrisers Hyderabad

  • Year: 2018

  • Result: SRH won by 9 wickets

  • Why it's wild:

    • Pant’s 128 is the highest individual score in a losing cause* in IPL history

    • Despite his fireworks, Delhi’s bowling couldn’t defend 187

🥉 KL Rahul – 132 (69 balls)*

  • Team: Punjab Kings

  • Opponent: RCB

  • Year: 2020

  • Wait! Nope — this was actually in a winning cause.

So to recap:

🎯 Top 3 Highest Scores in a Losing Cause (IPL)

Player Runs (Balls) Team Opponent Result
Rishabh Pant 128* (63) Delhi Daredevils Sunrisers Hyderabad Lost by 9 wickets
Wriddhiman Saha 115* (55) Kings XI Punjab Kolkata Knight Riders Lost IPL Final
Murali Vijay 95 (52) CSK RCB Lost (2012 Qualifier)

Want a version of this with visuals or a ranking of centuries in defeats? Happy to build that out!