Top 5 opening pairs in IPL history

In Twenty20 (T20) cricket, in particular, it is really important for a team to get off to a good start as it lays a solid foundation for the others that follow. If the opening pair provides a decent partnership, the job becomes much easier for the middle-order batsmen as they can go for their shots without worrying about the fall of wickets.

Similarly, in the Indian Premier League (IPL), we have had some sensational opening pairs who have been instrumental in their team’s success.

Here are the five best opening pairs in IPL history:

(Note – The list is in no particular order)

1. Gautam Gambhir and Robin Uthappa

While Gautam Gambhir and Robin Uthappa didn’t have a great season this time around, resulting in Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) not qualifying for the playoffs, they were one of the main reasons for them winning the 2014 edition. The team generally operates on the principle that one of the openers will bat deep into the innings, thereby allowing stroke makers like Andre Russell and Yusuf Pathan to play their shots.

In 2014, Gambhir-Uthappa were involved in four consecutive partnerships of 50 or more for the opening wicket in the IPL - 121 vs RR, 106 vs DD, 68 vs KXIP and 50 vs MI, thereby becoming the first opening pair to share four consecutive half-century stands.