IPL: A look at highest opening partnerships
Gujarat Titans beat Chennai Super Kings in Match 59 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. The Titans rode on a defining 210-run opening stand between Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan to post 231/3 in 20 overs. They later restricted CSK to 196/8. The one between Gill and Sudharsan is the joint-highest opening partnership in IPL history.
De Kock and Rahul: 210* vs KKR, 2022
In IPL 2022, Lucknow Super Giants' Quinton de Kock and KL Rahul stitched an unbeaten 210-run partnership against Kolkata Knight Riders at the DY Patil Stadium. De Kock slammed a historic 140*(70), while KL Rahul also returned unbeaten for 68(51). De Kock's knock included 10 sixes and as many fours. LSG racked up 210/0 before claiming a two-run win.
Gill and Sudharsan: 210 vs CSK, 2024
On May 10, Gill (104) and Sudharsan (103) equaled the record of de Kock and Rahul. As mentioned, they added a 210-run opening stand against CSK. This is also GT's highest stand for any wicket in the competition's history. The previous best was 147 runs added between the pair for the second wicket against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Ahmedabad.
Bairstow and Warner: 185 vs RCB 2019
Jonny Bairstow and David Warner were on fire for the Orange Army in the 2019 IPL edition. The duo gave SRH blistering starts against several oppositions. Their 185-run opening partnership against Royal Challengers Bengaluru stood out that season. Both Bairstow and Warner slammed tons as SRH recorded 231/2. They later bowled RCB out for a mere 113.
Gambhir and Lynn: 184* vs GL, 2017
An unbeaten 184-run partnership between Kolkata Knight Riders' Gautam Gambhir and Chris Lynn hammered Gujarat Lions in IPL 2017. The Knight Riders chased down 184, with the duo going berserk in Rajkot. This remains the highest opening partnership in an IPL run-chase. Gambhir smashed a 48-ball 76*, while Lynn made merry with his unbeaten 93 off 41 balls.
