The Indian Premier League (IPL) has produced countless thrilling cricketing moments, many of which have come from remarkable opening partnerships. These partnerships have not only set the foundation for their teams but have also created some of the most iconic innings in IPL history. Over the years, the IPL has witnessed several memorable opening partnerships that have stunned opponents and entertained fans across the globe.
From explosive runs to steady accumulations, opening stands play a crucial role in defining the outcomes of matches. Some Players have rewritten record books, while others have become defining moments in franchise IPL history.
Which Is The Highest Partnership In Ipl Opening?
In the 2022 IPL season, Quinton de Kock and KL Rahul of the Lucknow Super Giants produced a batting performance that fans still talk about. On May 18, 2022, against the Kolkata Knight Riders at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, they put together an unbroken 210 run opening partnership, the highest for the first wicket in IPL history.
De Kock played with incredible power, scoring 140 not out off 70 balls, hitting ten sixes and ten fours, while Rahul stayed unbeaten on 68 from 51 balls, timing the ball cleanly and supporting his partner well. Their stand helped LSG finish on 210/0 in 20 overs, a huge total that proved just enough as they won the match by two runs and sealed a playoff spot. This record partnership beat the previous best of 185 and set a new bar for opening duos in the league.
Top 10 Highest Opening Partnerships In IPL History:
Opening partnerships set the tone for an IPL innings, often deciding momentum early. This list highlights the top 10 highest opening stands in IPL history, showcasing iconic duos, massive run tallies, dominant starts, and unforgettable matches across seasons of worldwide cricket.
| Rank | Players | Runs | Team | Opponent | Year |
| 1 | Quinton de Kock & KL Rahul | 210* | LSG | KKR | 2022 |
| 1 | Shubman Gill & Sai Sudharsan | 210 | GT | CSK | 2024 |
| 3 | Shubman Gill & Sai Sudharsan | 205* | GT | DC | 2025 |
| 4 | David Warner & Jonny Bairstow | 185 | SRH | RCB | 2019 |
| 5 | Gautam Gambhir & Chris Lynn | 184* | KKR | GL | 2017 |
| 6 | KL Rahul & Mayank Agarwal | 183 | KXIP | RR | 2020 |
| 7 | Ruturaj Gaikwad & Devon Conway | 182 | CSK | SRH | 2022 |
| 8 | Shane Watson & Faf du Plessis | 181* | CSK | KXIP | 2020 |
| 8 | Virat Kohli & Devdutt Padikkal | 181* | RCB | RR | 2021 |
| 10 | Virat Kohli & Faf du Plessis | 172 | RCB | SRH | 2023 |
1. Quinton de Kock & KL Rahul (210* Runs: LSG vs KKR, 2022)
Quinton de Kock and KL Rahul’s partnership of 210* runs remains a defining moment in IPL history. The two opened for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the 2022 season and set an unbreakable record.
Their understanding and seamless play allowed them to dominate the opposition with consistent boundaries and smart running. The pair’s flawless performance laid the foundation for LSG’s massive total and left a mark on the tournament’s record books.
2. Shubman Gill & Sai Sudharsan (210 runs: GT vs CSK, 2024)
Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan replicated the 210 run partnership record in 2024 while playing for Gujarat Titans (GT) against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
The duo exhibited a perfect blend of composure and aggression, with Sudharsan playing the anchor role while Gill took charge with his powerful strokes. This remarkable partnership helped set a solid platform for GT, showcasing their dominant opening combination.
3. Shubman Gill & Sai Sudharsan (205* runs: GT vs DC, 2025)
In the 2025 IPL, Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan once again demonstrated their exceptional pairing, this time putting on a 205* partnership against Delhi Capitals (DC).
Their performance further cemented their reputation as one of the most formidable opening pairs in the IPL. The partnership, marked by smart shot selection and an unshakable resolve, played a crucial role in the Gujarat Titans’ victory.
4. David Warner & Jonny Bairstow (185 runs: SRH vs RCB, 2019)
David Warner and Jonny Bairstow’s explosive partnership in 2019, amounting to 185 runs, was one of the most thrilling opening stands.
This partnership helped Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) set a formidable total against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Warner’s elegant batting and Bairstow’s aggression created the perfect balance, making their partnership one of the most memorable in IPL history.
5. Gautam Gambhir & Chris Lynn (184* runs: KKR vs GL, 2017)
In 2017, Gautam Gambhir and Chris Lynn formed a brilliant opening combination for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) against Gujarat Lions (GL). Their partnership of 184* runs was a blend of Gambhir’s steadiness and Lynn’s power.
The duo took control of the game early on, dominating Gujarat’s bowlers and setting the stage for a high scoring total. Their partnership remains one of the most successful in IPL history.
6. KL Rahul & Mayank Agarwal (183 runs: KXIP vs RR, 2020)
KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal’s partnership of 183 runs for Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in 2020 showcased their consistency and skill.
Both players complemented each other well, with Rahul anchoring the innings while Agarwal took the lead in aggressive strokeplay. Their partnership helped KXIP set a strong total, and their synergy at the top was a key factor in their successful season.
7. Ruturaj Gaikwad & Devon Conway (182 runs: CSK vs SRH, 2022)
Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway’s partnership of 182 runs for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in 2022 was a perfect display of timing and placement.
Gaikwad’s attacking intent, paired with Conway’s calmness, created a dominant opening combination. The pair’s consistency and ability to accelerate their innings set up CSK for a big win.
8. Shane Watson & Faf du Plessis (181* runs: CSK vs KXIP, 2020)
Shane Watson and Faf du Plessis were an incredible opening pair in IPL 2020, putting up 181* runs for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) against Kings XI Punjab (KXIP).
Watson’s aggressive play and du Plessis’ composed approach led to a remarkable stand that propelled CSK to a commanding total. Their partnership was one of the best examples of how both experience and youth can combine to create explosive opening stands.
9. Virat Kohli & Devdutt Padikkal (181* runs: RCB vs RR, 2021)
Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal put together a superb partnership of 181* runs for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in 2021.
Kohli’s calm demeanor at one end allowed Padikkal to express his attacking shots. This partnership was crucial in setting a high target, and their understanding at the crease was key to RCB’s success that year.
10. Virat Kohli & Faf du Plessis (172 runs: RCB vs SRH, 2023)
The 172 run partnership between Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis in 2023 for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) displayed their consistency and ability to anchor an innings.
Kohli’s experience, paired with du Plessis’ attacking strokepla,y helped RCB to set a daunting target. Their reliable performance at the top of the order was a significant factor in RCB’s strong campaign that year.
Conclusion:
The highest opening partnerships in IPL history showcase the brilliance and synergy between some of the best players in the world. These partnerships have not only set the stage for some of the most thrilling matches in IPL history but have also defined the success of their respective teams. Whether through explosive hitting or steady accumulation, these opening duos have left a lasting legacy in the tournament.
FAQs:
Quinton de Kock and KL Rahul hold the record with 210* runs in 2022.
Their combination of aggression and stability made the partnership stand out.
Teams like the Gujarat Titans (GT) and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have had remarkable opening partnerships.
The years 2022 and 2024 witnessed some of the most remarkable opening partnerships.
Kiran is a cricket analyst and writer with strong expertise in the Indian Premier League and modern cricket. He closely follows match situations, player performances, team strategies, and season trends to deliver clear and accurate insights. Passionate about the game, Kiran enjoys exploring emerging talents, tracking auction movements, and sharing timely updates related to IPL and competitive cricket.
