Introduction
Cricket is a team sport, sure, but when two batters are in sync, it’s nothing short of poetry in motion. The IPL, being the grand spectacle that it is, has given us some legendary batting partnerships—ones that have made bowlers break into a cold sweat and fans jump out of their seats.
Ever witnessed a partnership so good that you felt sorry for the fielding side? We’ve had plenty of those in IPL history. Some were built on brute force, some on finesse, and some on sheer cricketing genius. Today, let’s take a trip down memory lane and relive the best IPL batting partnerships ever.
1. Virat Kohli & AB de Villiers (Royal Challengers Bangalore) – 229 Runs (2016)
If cricket had a ‘bromance’ hall of fame, these two would be first-ballot inductees. Kohli and AB de Villiers—two batting maestros—teamed up in IPL 2016 to create an absolute carnage against Gujarat Lions.
- Runs: 229
- Balls: 96
- Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore
Picture this: Kohli anchoring the innings like a seasoned artist while AB de Villiers plays like he’s from another planet, reverse-scooping fast bowlers for six. The Gujarat Lions’ bowlers? Well, they were mere spectators to this carnage. RCB ended up scoring 248/3, and this partnership remains the highest in IPL history.
2. Virat Kohli & AB de Villiers (Royal Challengers Bangalore) – 215 Runs (2015)*
Yes, these two feature again! Because why not? A year before their 229-run stand, Kohli and AB had already flexed their muscles against the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium.
- Runs: 215*
- Balls: 105
- Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
This time, AB was in the mood for destruction, smashing a scintillating 133* off just 59 balls. Kohli, the perfect partner in crime, chipped in with 82 off 50. It was a masterclass in stroke-making, and MI bowlers had no answers.
3. Adam Gilchrist & Shaun Marsh (Kings XI Punjab) – 206 Runs (2011)
The Aussies love their partnerships, don’t they? Gilchrist and Marsh, two left-handers, played a breathtaking knock for Kings XI Punjab against RCB.
- Runs: 206
- Balls: 96
- Venue: Dharamshala
Gilly turned back the clock with a blistering 106 off 55 balls, while Marsh played the perfect support role with a solid 79. Their partnership helped Punjab post a mammoth total of 232/2. RCB? They never stood a chance.
4. David Warner & Jonny Bairstow (Sunrisers Hyderabad) – 185 Runs (2019)
This one had buddy cop movie vibes. The Warner-Bairstow duo not only torched opposition bowlers but also had a camaraderie that made them fun to watch.
- Runs: 185
- Balls: 97
- Venue: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad
Both Warner and Bairstow smashed centuries, making the RCB bowlers wish they’d called in sick that day. The opening stand powered SRH to a colossal total, and Warner-Bairstow cemented their status as one of the deadliest opening pairs in IPL history.
5. Chris Gayle & Virat Kohli (Royal Challengers Bangalore) – 204 Runs (2012)
RCB and big partnerships—it’s like peanut butter and jelly, they just go together! In 2012, Gayle and Kohli joined forces to decimate the Delhi Daredevils.
- Runs: 204
- Balls: 110
- Venue: Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi
Gayle did what Gayle does best—obliterated the bowling attack with his monstrous sixes, while Kohli ensured the scoreboard kept ticking. Together, they left the Daredevils with nothing but despair.
FAQs: IPL Batting Partnerships
1. What is the highest partnership in IPL history?
The highest partnership in IPL history is Virat Kohli & AB de Villiers’ 229-run stand for RCB against Gujarat Lions in 2016.
2. Which team has had the most 200+ run partnerships?
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) holds the record, thanks to Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Chris Gayle.
3. Who has the best opening partnership in IPL history?
David Warner & Jonny Bairstow’s 185-run stand in 2019 for SRH is the highest opening partnership in IPL history.
4. Which duo has the most century partnerships in IPL?
Virat Kohli & AB de Villiers have multiple century partnerships, making them the most successful duo in IPL.
Final Thoughts
The IPL has witnessed some legendary partnerships, and these records will keep evolving with time. But let’s be honest—there’s something magical about seeing two batters completely dominate a game together.
Who’s your favorite IPL batting duo? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let’s discuss the most electrifying partnerships the league has ever seen!
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