The Indian Premier League is the world’s foremost professional cricket tournament that is held annually. Players from all around the world participate in the IPL. The main appeal of the IPL is the T20 format. It includes short games, comprising 20 overs of six balls each for both teams. A typical IPL match runs for 4 hours or less. The whole family can enjoy the IPL, as it provides quick, thrilling cricket action free of charge.
One of the main reasons behind the popularity of the IPL is the explosive batting that’s often witnessed. Sometimes players singlehandedly win matches, but cricket is a team sport and requires the efforts of everyone playing. Due to the reckless and fast-paced nature of the IPL, long partnerships are uncommon among batsmen.
Top 10 Highest Opening Partnerships In IPL History
AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli: 229 runs (Bangalore vs. Gujarat, 2016)
Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers hold the record for the highest partnership in the IPL. This one came against Gujarat back in 2016. Batting first, Bangalore lost Gayle early, but then Kohli and AB got together for the second wicket and shared a stand of 229 runs off just 96 balls. Kohli finished on 109 off 55 balls, while de Villiers made 129* off 52 balls as Bangalore scored 248 for 3 in their 20 overs.
Also read: The Most Expensive Over In IPL
Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers: 215 runs (Bangalore vs. Mumbai, 2015)
The AB-Kohli duo features for the second time on this list. In the 2015 season, these two put together a 215-run stand for the 2nd wicket at the Wankhede Stadium against Mumbai. This was a record-breaking partnership, which was eventually toppled in the subsequent year by the same pair. De Villiers made a magnificent 133*, while Kohli finished on 82* off 50 balls. Bangalore finished their innings at 235/1 in 20 overs.
Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Chris Gayle and Virat Kohli scored 206 runs (2013)
It was amazing to watch Chris Gayle and Virat Kohli’s historic collaboration in 2013. Kohli’s skill and Gayle’s vicious hitting teamed to create a record-breaking 206-run stand against Pune Warriors India, raising the bar for opening partnerships.
Gautam Gambhir and Chris Lynn (Kolkata Knight Riders): 184 runs (2017)
The 2017 season witnessed the dynamic duo of Gautam Gambhir and Chris Lynn showcasing their prowess. Against the Gujarat Lions, Lynn’s explosive hitting complemented Gambhir’s calculated approach, resulting in a formidable 184-run partnership.
David Warner and Jonny Bairstow (Sunrisers Hyderabad): 185 runs (2019)
Sunrisers Hyderabad’s 2019 campaign featured the destructive pairing of David Warner and Jonny Bairstow. Their 185-run partnership, characterized by Warner’s aggression and Bairstow’s elegance, left fans in awe and opposition bowlers searching for answers.
Shane Watson and Faf du Plessis (Chennai Super Kings): 181 runs (2020)
The 2020 season witnessed a resurgence of the Chennai Super Kings, and at the forefront were Shane Watson and Faf du Plessis. Their 181-run opening partnership displayed a blend of power and precision, underscoring their dominance.
Adam Gilchrist and Shaun Marsh (Kings XI Punjab): 184 runs (2008)
In the inaugural season of the IPL, Adam Gilchrist and Shaun Marsh announced their arrival with authority. Their 184-run partnership set the early standard for opening stands in T20 cricket.
Brendon McCullum and Dwayne Smith (Gujarat Lions): 184 runs (2016)
The 2016 season witnessed the dynamic duo of Brendon McCullum and Dwayne Smith for the Gujarat Lions. Their electrifying 184-run partnership showcased the destructive potential of T20 opening pairs.
Virender Sehwag and David Warner (Delhi Daredevils): 189 runs (2011)
In 2011, Delhi Daredevils witnessed fireworks at the top with Virender Sehwag and David Warner. Their 189-run partnership combined Sehwag’s aggression with Warner’s flair, providing fans with an unforgettable display of power hitting.
Parthiv Patel and Lendl Simmons (Mumbai Indians): 139 runs (2017)
Mumbai Indians featured on the list in 2017, with Parthiv Patel and Lendl Simmons forming a formidable opening partnership. Their 139-run stand set the tone for a commanding victory.
Also read: Highest Score In Ipl By a Team In IPL History
David Warner and Shikhar Dhawan (Sunrisers Hyderabad): 139 runs (2016)
Sunrisers Hyderabad make a second appearance on the list, this time with David Warner partnering with Shikhar Dhawan in 2016. Their 139-run partnership played a pivotal role in the Sunrisers’ success that season.
KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal (Kings XI Punjab): 183 runs (2020)
The 2020 season witnessed the emergence of a new opening force in KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal for Kings XI Punjab. Their classy 183-run partnership showcased their skill and temperament, earning them a place among the top opening pairs in IPL history.
Unconventional Opening Strategies
As cricket enthusiasts witnessed the IPL’s progression, some teams dared to challenge the conventional norms of opening pairs. From deploying pinch-hitters to strategic rotation, we explore how innovative approaches have disrupted the expected order, injecting a dose of unpredictability into the game.
Unveiling Unorthodox Stroke Play
The IPL has witnessed a surge in unorthodox stroke play at the top. Batsmen are not just scoring runs; they’re doing it with flair and inventiveness. Reverse sweeps, switch hits, and unconventional shot selections have become the new normal, keeping bowlers guessing and spectators on the edge of their seats.
FAQs
Are there any left-handed or right-handed opening partnerships in the top 10?
Yes, several top-10 partnerships feature left-handed and right-handed combinations, such as David Warner and Jonny Bairstow and Gautam Gambhir and Chris Lynn, showcasing the effectiveness of diverse batting styles.
How many partnerships in the top 10 have been achieved at home grounds?
The location of the partnerships varies, with some achieved at home grounds and others in away fixtures. For instance, Chris Gayle and Virat Kohli’s record-breaking partnership in 2013 was at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore.
Have any opening partnerships from the same franchise appeared multiple times in the top 10?
No, each opening partnership in the top 10 is unique, featuring different player combinations and match scenarios. However, franchises like Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kings XI Punjab have seen multiple representations on the list.
What is the highest partnership in IPL history?
Bangalore’s legendary duo of Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers holds the record for the highest partnership stand in the history of the IPL. They shared a 229-run stand for the second wicket against Gujarat in the 2016 season.
What is the highest partnership in IPL 2023?
Bangalore’s Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis hold the record for the highest partnership stand in IPL 2023. They shared a 172-run stand for the first wicket against Hyderabad on May 18, 2023.
Which is the highest-opening partnership in the IPL?
The 210-run stand between Lucknow’s Quinton de Kock and KL Rahul is the highest opening partnership in Indian T20 League history. It is also the highest partnership in IPL 2022.
