MS Dhoni epitomises being unbeaten – but which other 4 batters have a record number of not outs in the IPL?
The mark of a great finisher is the ability to get a job done. It doesn’t matter if it is getting your team to a good score or steering a chase over the line.
At the end of an innings a good chaser should still be out in the middle with an asterisk next to their name. Quite simply the best way to gauge the quality of a finisher is to see how many times they have finished with a not out score.
With that in mind, IPL season 18 saw one batsman reach a significant milestone – a century of not out innings. That obviously implies a lot of innings in total, but it also speaks volumes about their ability to get a job done.
So, who are the batters with the most undefeated innings in IPL history? Let’s take a look.
5. David Miller – 49 not outs in IPL
South African southpaw David Miller has long been one of T20 cricket’s most reliable finishers. Since his IPL debut with the Punjab Kings and subsequent moves to Rajasthan Royals, Gujarat Titans and now the Lucknow Super Giants, Miller has amassed 49 not-out innings.
Known for his measured aggression, Miller often consolidates the middle overs before unleashing a flurry of boundaries late on. His unbeaten 101* off 56 balls against Kolkata Knight Riders in 2017 remains a hallmark of his calm under pressure. Miller’s ability to read the game, rotate strike, and find the fence—especially in tricky run-chases, has made him a sought-after finisher across global T20 leagues.
4. Dinesh Karthik – 50 not outs in IPL
Veteran wicketkeeper–batsman Dinesh Karthik carved out a reputation as one of the IPL’s most clutch finishers. Over a career that lasted 17 seasons DK enjoyed spells with Royal Challengers Bangalore, Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Mumbai Indians, Karthik boasts 50 not-out innings.
His best-known moment is the last-ball six to win the 2018 IPL final for KKR, but Karthik has repeatedly delivered in mid-innings as well, anchoring chases with fighting knocks and innovative batting. His adaptability, slowing down when wickets fall or accelerating when needed, demonstrates why teams trusted him to close out games.
3. Kieron Pollard – 52 not outs in IPL
West Indian powerhouse Kieron Pollard was a Mumbai Indians mainstay between 2009 and 2022, and he’s celebrated 52 undefeated innings in the IPL. Twelve years of playing in the middle and death overs have seen Pollard develop a killer instinct: his ability to clear the ropes with minimal footwork makes him exceptionally hard to bowl at.
Memorable innings include his rapid 83* off 40 balls against Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2015 and the blistering 87* off 25 balls against Rajasthan Royals in 2019. Pollard’s sheer power and six-hitting prowess mean that once he’s in, he often stays in — exactly where a finisher wants to be.
2. Ravindra Jadeja – 80 not outs in IPL
All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja may be better known for his left-arm spin and agile fielding, but his batting credentials, particularly as a finisher, are equally formidable. Since moving to Chennai Super Kings in 2012, Jadeja has finished 80 innings not out, the second highest in Indian Premier League history.
His ability to rotate the strike and manufacture boundaries, especially against spinners, makes him a go-to option in must-win scenarios. Jadeja’s knack for farming the strike, protecting the tail, and finding the boundary means that when he’s in, the batsmen behind him can maximize the last over without risk.
1. MS Dhoni: 100 not outs in IPL
Topping the list is the one and only MS Dhoni, with an astonishing 100 not-out innings in IPL cricket. Dhoni’s legacy as the ultimate finisher needs no introduction: his calmness under pressure, lightning-quick hands, and unerring judgement of when to attack or defend have won Chennai Super Kings five IPL titles.
From his first match-winning six in 2008 to countless last-ball finishes, Dhoni has embodied the finisher’s spirit. Notable knocks include 84* off 49 balls against Kings XI Punjab in 2019 and 68* off 34 balls against Rajasthan Royals in 2013.
By the time he hangs up his gloves (which could be as soon as the end of the season), Dhoni’s perfect blend of experience, power, and tactical nous will leave a record unlikely to be surpassed any time soon.
What is interesting to note is that Dhoni isn’t just an IPL phenomenon – he is also the holder of the record for most undefeated innings in ODI cricket where he tops the list with 84 not outs. He really is a once-in-a-generation player.
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