The Indian Premier League (IPL) is renowned for its high-octane cricket and electrifying batting performances. Among these spectacles, the highest opening partnerships in IPL often set the tone for the game, with some duos creating magic that leaves fans awestruck.
Let’s dive into Top 10 highest opening partnerships in IPL history:
10. Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma – 167*
Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma delivered an unbeaten 167-run partnership against Lucknow Super Giants in 2024. Head’s aggression and Sharma’s calculated approach worked wonders for the team, securing their spot among the highest opening partnerships in IPL.
| Players | Team | Balls Faced | Opposition | Total Opening Partnership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM Head, A Sharma | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 87 | Lucknow Super Giants | 167* |
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9. Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis – 172
In 2023, Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis showcased their class for RCB with a 172-run opening stand against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Their blend of power and timing decimated the opposition’s bowling attack, securing a place among the highest opening partnerships in IPL.
| Players | Team | Balls Faced | Opposition | Total Opening Partnership |
| V Kohli, F du Plessis | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 85 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 172 |
8. Devdutt Padikkal and Virat Kohli – 181*
Royal Challengers Bangalore’s future and present came together as Devdutt Padikkal and Virat Kohli forged an unbroken 181-run partnership. Padikkal’s flair and Kohli’s leadership with the bat were a treat to watch, making it one of the highest opening partnerships in IPL.
| Players | Team | Balls Faced | Opposition | Total Opening Partnership |
| D Padikkal, V Kohli | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 92 | Rajasthan Royals | 181* |
7. Shane Watson and Faf du Plessis – 181*
Shane Watson and Faf du Plessis took Kings XI Punjab to the cleaners with their unbeaten 181-run partnership. Representing Chennai Super Kings, the duo’s synergy and experience were evident throughout their innings, earning them a spot among the highest opening partnerships in IPL.
| Players | Team | Balls Faced | Opposition | Total Opening Partnership |
| SR Watson, F du Plessis | Chennai Super Kings | 90 | Kings XI Punjab | 181* |
6. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway – 182
Chennai Super Kings’ young sensation Ruturaj Gaikwad teamed up with Devon Conway to smash 182 runs against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Gaikwad’s classical shots combined with Conway’s consistency created an unforgettable performance, ranking among the highest opening partnerships in IPL.
| Players | Team | Balls Faced | Opposition | Total Opening Partnership |
| RD Gaikwad, DP Conway | Chennai Super Kings | 96 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 182 |
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5. KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal – 183
KL Rahul appears again, this time with Mayank Agarwal, forming a formidable opening stand for Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings). Their 183-run partnership against Rajasthan Royals showcased Rahul’s reliability and Mayank’s attacking intent, marking one of the highest opening partnerships in IPL.
| Players | Team | Balls Faced | Opposition | Total Opening Partnership |
| KL Rahul, MA Agarwal | Kings XI Punjab | 91 | Rajasthan Royals | 183 |
4. Chris Lynn and Gautam Gambhir – 184*
Kolkata Knight Riders’ Chris Lynn and Gautam Gambhir formed an unbeaten 184-run partnership against Gujarat Lions in 2017. Lynn’s explosive batting and Gambhir’s calm demeanor ensured KKR’s dominance in the match, making it one of the highest opening partnerships in IPL.
| Players | Team | Balls Faced | Opposition | Total Opening Partnership |
| CA Lynn, G Gambhir | Kolkata Knight Riders | 89 | Gujarat Lions | 184* |
3. David Warner and Jonny Bairstow – 185
David Warner and Jonny Bairstow were unstoppable for Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2019, amassing 185 runs against RCB. Their incredible understanding and powerful strokes left the opposition clueless, making this partnership one for the ages and among the highest opening partnerships in IPL.
| Players | Team | Balls Faced | Opposition | Total Opening Partnership |
| DA Warner, JM Bairstow | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 97 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 185 |
2. Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan – 210
The Gujarat Titans’ opening duo, Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan, equaled the record for the highest opening partnerships in IPL with their spectacular performance against Chennai Super Kings. Gill’s consistency and Sudharsan’s flair blended seamlessly to create history in IPL 2024.
| Players | Team | Balls Faced | Opposition | Total Opening Partnership |
| Shubman Gill, S Sudharsan | Gujarat Titans | 120 | Chennai Super Kings | 210 |
1. KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock – 210*
In one of the most memorable partnerships, KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock smashed an unbeaten 210-run opening stand against Kolkata Knight Riders. Representing Lucknow Super Giants, the duo dominated the bowlers, with De Kock’s aggressive hitting perfectly complementing Rahul’s elegance. This performance stands as one of the highest opening partnerships in IPL history.
| Players | Team | Balls Faced | Opposition | Total Opening Partnership |
| KL Rahul, Q de Kock | Lucknow Super Giants | 126 | Kolkata Knight Riders | 210* |
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