Longest Partnership in IPL: Top 3 Best Partnerships
Published on: Mar 3, 2023 11:57 am IST|Updated on: Mar 3, 2023 11:57 am IST
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is undoubtedly one of the most popular and exciting cricket leagues in the world. It is known for its explosive batting, and over the years, we have seen some exceptional partnerships between batsmen that have left fans in awe.
Longest Partnership in IPL
In this blog, we will take a closer look at Longest Partnership in IPL.
Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers (229 runs, RCB vs Guj Lions, 2016)
The partnership between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Virat Kohli and South African AB de Villiers is considered to be one of the best partnerships in IPL history. The duo has been the backbone of the RCB batting line-up for many years and has won matches single-handedly for their team.
In 2016, they put on a remarkable display of batting against the Gujarat Lions, scoring a staggering 229 runs for the second wicket. Kohli scored 109 runs off 55 balls, and de Villiers scored 129 runs off 52 balls, which included 10 sixes and 12 fours. RCB ended up scoring 248 runs in their 20 overs, which is still the highest team total in IPL history.
Kohli and de Villiers are both exceptional batsmen in their own right, but when they come together, they create a partnership that is almost unstoppable. Their camaraderie and understanding of each other’s game are the reason why they have been able to produce such memorable performances over the years.
Related Virat Kohli AB de Villiers camaraderie
Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers (215*, RCB vs Mumbai, 2015)
The second best partnership in IPL history also features Kohli and de Villiers. In 2015, RCB was facing Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, and Kohli and de Villiers put on a batting masterclass.
They scored an unbeaten 215 runs for the second wicket, which is still the highest partnership in IPL history. Kohli scored 82 runs off 50 balls, and de Villiers scored 133 runs off 59 balls, which included 19 fours and four sixes. RCB ended up scoring 235 runs in their 20 overs, and Mumbai Indians could only manage 196 runs in reply.
The partnership between Kohli and de Villiers is not only about their ability to score runs but also about their understanding of each other’s game. They are both versatile batsmen who can play different roles in the team depending on the situation. Kohli is a more traditional batsman who can anchor the innings and rotate the strike, while de Villiers is a more aggressive player who can take the attack to the bowlers.
Related IPL 2023 Squads
Quinton de Kock and KL Rahul (210*, Super Giants vs KKR, 2022)
The third-best partnership in IPL history was between South African Quinton de Kock and Indian KL Rahul. They put on an unbeaten 210 runs for the first wicket in the 2022 season when de Kock was playing for the Super Giants against Kolkata Knight Riders at the DY Patil Stadium.
De Kock scored 123 runs off 63 balls, which included 12 fours and eight sixes, while Rahul scored 87 runs off 47 balls, which included 11 fours and three sixes. This partnership helped the Super Giants reach a mammoth total of 240 runs in their 20 overs, and KKR could only manage 201 runs in reply.
The partnership between de Kock and Rahul was an excellent example of how two talented batsmen can complement each other. De Kock’s aggressive approach at the top of the order allowed Rahul to settle into his innings and play more freely.