Best partnership in IPL – What is the Highest Partnership in IPL history?

Best partnership in IPL: The T20 style of cricket emphasizes on aggressive batting with little regard for preserving wickets, as teams have limited time and only 10 batsmen to utilize in 20 overs. However, partnerships still play a crucial role in this fast-paced format. In the Indian Premier League (IPL), significant partnerships are not as frequent or as substantial as in ODIs or Tests, but they hold equal importance. This article highlights the record-breaking best partnership in IPL

Best partnership in IPL – What is the Highest Partnership in IPL history?

One such best partnership in IPL was between Quinton de Kock and KL Rahul in the 2022 IPL season against the Kolkata Knight Riders, where they put up a 210-run stand, the third-highest in IPL history. Despite the attacking nature of T20 cricket, these partnerships serve as a testament to the value of teamwork and stability in even the shortest format of the game. The highest partnership in IPL history still stands as the 229-run stand between Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers. These partnerships showcase the importance of building relationships between batsmen even in T20 cricket, and their significance in the outcome of a game.

1. AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli (2nd wicket)- 229 runs in 96 balls

The record-breaking partnership between Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers in IPL 2016 remains a standout moment in the tournament’s history and also the best partnership in IPL. In match 44, RCB was in trouble early after losing Chris Gayle, but Kohli and de Villiers stepped up with a massive 2nd wicket partnership of 229 runs. The duo dominated the Gujarat Lions attack, with Kohli scoring 109 off 55 balls and de Villiers finishing with an unbeaten 129 off 52 balls. Their incredible stand, which came off just 96 balls, remains the highest partnership in T20 cricket and the highest in IPL history, leading RCB to a massive total of 248/3 in 20 overs. This match is a testament to the strong friendship and on-field chemistry between Kohli and de Villiers.

2. Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers (2nd wicket) – 215 runs in 105 balls

Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers had already made their mark in the IPL prior to their 229-run stand against Gujarat Lions. In the 2015 edition, they put together an unbeaten 215-run partnership for the second wicket against the Mumbai Indians. After losing Chris Gayle early, Kohli and de Villiers took control of the game, scoring 215 runs off just 105 balls. De Villiers was particularly dominant, finishing with a brilliant 133* off 59 balls, including 19 fours and 4 sixes. Kohli also had a strong outing with a 50-ball 82*. Their efforts helped RCB reach a formidable 235/1 in 20 overs, leaving no chance for Mumbai to make a comeback.

3. KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock (1st wicket) – 210 runs in 120 balls

KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock, the opening batsmen for Lucknow Super Giants, made history by setting the highest ever opening partnership in the Indian Premier League. They put together a remarkable 210-run stand without being dismissed against the Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2022, breaking the previous record for the best opening partnership set by David Warner and Jonny Bairstow in 2019 (185 runs).

4. Adam Gilchrist and Shaun Marsh (2nd wicket) – 206 runs in 96 balls

In 2011, Adam Gilchrist and Shaun Marsh brought the Royal Challengers Bangalore bowlers to their knees with their powerful batting. The Australian pair formed a 206-run partnership for the 2nd wicket in just 96 balls, with Gilchrist hitting an explosive 106 off 55 balls that included 8 fours and 9 sixes. Marsh also played a crucial role, scoring 79* off 49 balls. Kings XI Punjab, with this outstanding performance, set a massive score of 232/2 in their innings and won the match with ease.

5. Chris Gayle and Virat Kohli (2nd wicket) – 204 runs in 110 balls

Virat Kohli’s ability to score big runs and form crucial partnerships is well known. It’s no surprise that he appears three times in the list of the top five highest partnerships in IPL history. Kohli was particularly effective against his home team, Delhi, in 2012. He teamed up with Chris Gayle to dismantle Delhi’s bowling attack, forging a 204-run partnership for the 2nd wicket in just 110 balls. Gayle hit a blazing 128* off 62 balls, while Kohli contributed with a 53-ball 73. This dominant stand helped RCB to a commanding 215/1 and Delhi was restricted to 194/9. This remains one of the highest partnerships in IPL history to this day.