3 Greatest knocks in IPL history 

The IPL auctions are around the corner, and all the franchises would be eager to grab the best available players on D-day. The trading window is set to close on 14 November, and there have been some big trades including the likes of Ravichandran Ashwin and Trent Boult.

The IPL has gone from strength to strength over the years, and we have witnessed some mind-boggling performances from different individuals in the past 12 seasons. The tournament has seen its fair shares of drama and controversies too, but they've largely been overshadowed by the brilliance of the players.

T20 is a batsman's game, and the IPL is no different. We have witnessed a lot of truly exceptional batting performances in these 12 years, which is why it is very difficult to pick just three of them.

There are bound to be disagreements over this list, but given the impact that they created, I believe these are the three greatest knocks in IPL history.

3. Brendon McCullum - 158 off 73 deliveries against RCB, IPL 2008

Brendon McCullum

Back in 2008, no one knew the magnitude of the impact IPL would have on Indian and world cricket. That is why, this innings from Brendon McCullum will definitely rank among the greatest in history. It was the first ever match of the IPL, and this knock played a major role in defining the tournament.

Playing for the Kolkata Knight Riders, McCullum was at his brutal best as he blazed his way to the first ever century in the IPL. It was carnage from the former Kiwi skipper, and the RCB bowlers had literally no answers to his onslaught. The second highest score in the innings was 20, which goes to show just how extraordinary McCullum's effort was.

The scintillating knock was studded with 10 fours and 13 sixes, and it helped KKR rack up a mammoth 222/3 in 20 overs. The target was way too high for RCB as they were bundled out for just 82 runs in the 16th over, giving KKR a huge win by 140 runs.

2. David Miller - 101 off 38 deliveries against RCB, IPL 2013

David Miller during his knock of 101 off 38 deliveries

I rate this innings very highly due to the fact that it came at a stage when his team seemed totally down for the count, and needed something special to bail them out. Kings XI Punjab were chasing a stiff target of 191 set by Royal Challengers Bangalore, and were in big trouble after being reduced to 64/4 in 10 overs.

From there it was David Miller who took the onus on himself to stage a grand comeback for his team. The southpaw was in a murderous mood and kept plundering the RCB attack all around Mohali.

Virat Kohli dropped him on 41, and that proved to be a huge turning point. 'Killer Miller' smashed 60 in the next 16 deliveries and Kohli was simply out of ideas.

Miller eventually sealed the deal with two overs left. He reached his century with a six and remained unbeaten on 101 off 38 deliveries. His innings was laced with 8 fours and 7 sixes.

1. Chris Gayle - 175 off 66 balls against Pune Warriors India, IPL 2013

Chris Gayle scored 175 off 66 deliveries against Pune Warriors India

While RCB were at the receiving end of both the previous knocks, it was an RCB batsman who registered the highest individual score in an IPL match. 'Universe Boss' Chris Gayle blazed his way to a sensational knock of 175 off just 66 deliveries against the now defunct Pune Warriors India.

Batting first, Royal Challengers Bangalore scored 263 in their 20 overs thanks to the unbelievable knock from Gayle. It was raining sixes at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, as the Jamaican smashed 17 sixes with utmost ease.

Gayle belted 45 off two overs from Ali Murtaza, which included 5 sixes. It was absolute carnage on display and there was no way out for Pune. They eventually scored 133, handing RCB a huge victory.