The Indian Premier League (IPL) is celebrated for its thrilling cricket and explosive batting displays. Among the most memorable moments are the highest opening partnerships, where dynamic duos set the stage on fire and often lay the foundation for unforgettable victories.
Let`s take a look at the Top 10 Highest Opening Partnerships in IPL
10. Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma
In 2024, Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma forged an unbeaten 167-run stand against the Lucknow Super Giants. Head’s explosive stroke play combined with Sharma’s composed, tactical batting proved to be a perfect blend, earning them a place among the Highest Opening Partnerships in IPL history.
| Players | Team | Balls | Opposition | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T Head, A Sharma | SRH | 87 | LSG | 167* |
9. Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis
In 2023, Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis put on a masterclass for RCB with a commanding 172-run opening partnership against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Their combination of precision, timing, and power dismantled the opposition’s bowling attack, firmly placing them among the Highest Opening Partnerships in IPL history.
| Players | Team | Balls | Opposition | Runs |
| V Kohli, F du Plessis | RCB | 85 | SRH | 172* |
8. Devdutt Padikkal and Virat Kohli
Royal Challengers Bangalore’s past and future united as Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal stitched together an unbeaten 181-run stand. Padikkal’s elegant stroke play paired with Kohli’s commanding presence at the crease made for a thrilling spectacle, ranking among the Highest Opening Partnerships in IPL history.
| Players | Team | Balls | Opposition | Runs |
| D Padikkal, V Kohli | RCB | 92 | RR | 181* |
7. Shane Watson and Faf du Plessis
Shane Watson and Faf du Plessis dismantled Kings XI Punjab with an unbeaten 181-run opening stand for Chennai Super Kings. Their seamless partnership, driven by experience and flawless coordination, stood out as one of the Highest Opening Partnerships in IPL.
| Players | Team | Balls | Opposition | Runs |
| SR Watson, F du Plessis | CSK | 90 | Kings XI Punjab | 181* |
6. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway
Chennai Super Kings’ rising star Ruturaj Gaikwad joined forces with the ever-reliable Devon Conway to hammer 182 runs against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Gaikwad’s elegant stroke play and Conway’s steady presence at the crease produced a memorable innings, securing their place among the Highest Opening Partnerships in IPL history.
| Players | Team | Balls | Opposition | Runs |
| RD Gaikwad, DP Conway | CSK | 96 | SRH | 182* |
5. KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal
KL Rahul made another mark, this time alongside Mayank Agarwal, as the duo crafted a dominant 183-run opening partnership for Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) against Rajasthan Royals. Rahul’s steady composure paired with Mayank’s aggressive flair made for a powerful combination, earning them a place among the Highest Opening Partnerships in IPL history.
| Players | Team | Balls | Opposition | Runs |
| KL Rahul, MA Agarwal | PBKS | 91 | RR | 183* |
4. Chris Lynn and Gautam Gambhir
In 2017, Kolkata Knight Riders’ Chris Lynn and Gautam Gambhir stitched together an unbeaten 184-run partnership against Gujarat Lions. Lynn’s explosive power at the top and Gambhir’s composed anchoring role paved the way for a commanding KKR victory, placing their stand among the Highest Opening Partnerships in IPL history.
| Players | Team | Balls | Opposition | Runs |
| CA Lynn, G Gambhir | KKR | 89 | GL | 184* |
3. David Warner and Jonny Bairstow
In 2019, David Warner and Jonny Bairstow were unstoppable for Sunrisers Hyderabad, piling up a massive 185-run stand against RCB. Their seamless coordination and explosive shot-making overwhelmed the opposition, cementing their partnership as one of the most iconic and highest opening stands in IPL history.
| Players | Team | Balls | Opposition | Runs |
| DA Warner, JM Bairstow | SRH | 97 | RCB | 185* |
2. Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan
Gujarat Titans’ opening pair, Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan, delivered a stunning performance against Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2024, matching the record for the Highest Opening Partnerships in IPL history. Gill’s unwavering consistency and Sudharsan’s stylish stroke play came together perfectly to script a historic moment.
| Players | Team | Balls | Opposition | Runs |
| Shubman Gill, S Sudharsan | GT | 120 | CSK | 210* |
1. KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock
In one of the most unforgettable partnerships, KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock powered an unbeaten 210-run opening stand against Kolkata Knight Riders. Playing for Lucknow Super Giants, De Kock’s fierce hitting perfectly complemented Rahul’s graceful stroke play, making their stand one of the Highest Opening Partnerships in IPL history.
| Players | Team | Balls | Opposition | Runs |
| KL Rahul, Q de Kock | LSG | 126 | KKR | 210* |
Conclusion
The highest opening partnerships in IPL history have not only set the tone for thrilling matches but also showcased the perfect blend of skill, strategy, and teamwork. These monumental stands have often laid the foundation for commanding victories and unforgettable moments, highlighting the impact of strong starts in the world’s most exciting T20 league. As new talents emerge and seasoned players continue to shine, the records for opening partnerships will keep evolving, adding to the rich legacy of the IPL.
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FAQ`s
Q1: What is considered an opening partnership in IPL cricket?
A: An opening partnership refers to the runs scored by the first two batsmen before the fall of the first wicket in an innings.
Q2: What is the highest opening partnership ever recorded in IPL?
A: The highest opening partnership in IPL history is an unbeaten 210-run stand by KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock for Lucknow Super Giants.
Q3: How important are opening partnerships in T20 cricket like IPL?
A: Opening partnerships are crucial as they set the foundation for a strong total, help build momentum, and often put the batting team in a commanding position early on.