In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the most iconic batting partnerships in the history of Cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL). The article shows the dynamic duos who have mesmerized fans with their exceptional batting performances, creating memorable moments in the tournament. Through this article, relive some of the most unforgettable moments when these star batsmen combined their talents to create magic on the field.
1. Sourav Ganguly And Sachin Tendulkar (India)
Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar were a great pair in cricket, batting together at the start of matches. Their highest opening stand was 258 runs against Kenya, and they had memorable partnerships of 252 runs, 244 runs, 197 runs, and 175 runs against Sri Lanka, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Australia, respectively. They were the pillars of "Team India," and their partnership remains the highest-scoring in ODI history. Their performances were crucial in India's success, leaving a lasting impact on cricket fans worldwide.
2. Mahela Jayawardene And Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka)
On July 29, 2006, Sri Lanka's Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara set a remarkable record in Test cricket. They scored a massive 624-run partnership against South Africa in Colombo. This partnership remains the highest ever for any wicket in Test cricket. The duo batted together for the entire Day 2 of the match, frustrating the South African bowlers with their exceptional shots. Their amazing performance helped Sri Lanka post a massive total of 756/5, breaking the historic partnership record of 576 runs held by Sanath Jayasuriya and Roshan Mahanama for almost a decade.
3. Sanath Jayasuriya And Roshan Mahanama (Sri Lanka)
In a historic Test match in 1997 between Sri Lanka and India, Sanath Jayasuriya and Roshan Mahanama made an extraordinary batting partnership. They batted together for two days, setting a record-breaking 576 runs for the second wicket, the highest in international cricket at the time. Jayasuriya scored his first and only triple century in Test cricket (340 runs), while Mahanama scored 225 runs. Their incredible partnership led helped Sri Lanka attain a total of 952 runs, the highest ever in Test cricket.
4. Ricky Ponting And Damien Martyn (Australia)
Ricky Ponting and Damien Martyn were two of Australia's finest batsmen during the early to late 2000s. They formed a formidable partnership, batting at numbers 3 and 4 in Tests and ODIs. They had 12 century-plus stands and 24 partnerships of over 50 runs. Their most famous batting partnership was a crucial 234-run partnership in the 2003 World Cup final against India, where Ponting scored 140 runs and Martyn scored 88 runs. Their explosive innings helped Australia reach a impressive total of 359/2, leading to their victory in the final.
5. Mahendra Singh Dhoni And Suresh Raina (India And Chennai Super Kings)
Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Suresh Raina had a prolific batting partnership in limited-overs cricket, notably during the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, where their batting partnership played a significant role in India's victory. They also had notable partnerships for Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL), including an unbeaten 61-run stand against Pune Warriors in 2013. Throughout their careers, Dhoni and Raina displayed great energy, providing stability to their teams. They remain one of the most iconic batting duos in Indian cricket history.
6. Faf du Plessis And Shane Watson (Chennai Super Kings)
In the match between Chennai Super Kings and Kings XI Punjab in 2020, Faf du Plessis and Shane Watson crafted an unbeaten 181-run partnership for the first wicket, the highest ever for CSK. Du Plessis initially struggled but later played aggressive shots, and Watson did a great job. Their partnership helped CSK chase down the target of 179 runs comfortably. The opening stand of 181 runs became the fourth-best in IPL history and the highest partnership for CSK in the tournament.
7. AB de Villiers And Virat Kohli (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers have a legendary partnership for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). They hold the record for the highest ever partnership in IPL history for any wicket, scoring 229 runs together. This duo has also recorded 200+ run partnerships two times in the tournament, making them the only pair to achieve this feat. Over the years, Kohli and de Villiers have formed a formidable partnership, contributing significantly to RCB's success in the IPL.
8. Shane Watson And Ajinkya Rahane (Rajasthan Royals)
In an IPL match between Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings in 2015, Shane Watson and Ajinkya Rahane set a record opening partnership of 144 runs. Watson scored a brilliant 73 off 47 balls, and Rahane remained unbeaten with 76 runs off 55 balls. Their dominant performance helped Rajasthan Royals chase down the target of 157 runs with ease, securing an eight-wicket victory. Despite the batting efforts of DJ Bravo and MS Dhoni, Rajasthan Royals secured their fifth consecutive win of the season.
9. Ruturaj Gaikwad And Devon Conway (Chennai Super Kings)
Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway, the opening pair of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), set a record-breaking partnership of 182 runs in the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2022. Gaikwad scored 99 runs off 57 balls, while Conway remained unbeaten with 85 runs off 55 balls. With this partnership, they broke the record for the most runs scored by a CSK opening pair in an IPL season. Their strong performance helped CSK achieve a total of 202/2 against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
10. Robin Uthappa And Gautam Gambhir (Kolkata Knight Riders)
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) showcased exceptional batting performances by Robin Uthappa and Gautam Gambhir, leading to a seven-wicket victory over Delhi Daredevils. Chasing 161 runs, Uthappa and Gambhir's 108-run partnership set a solid foundation for the win. Gambhir remained unbeaten with 71 runs, completing 6000 runs in T20 cricket. Their partnership was the fourth century partnership while chasing in IPL, the most by any pair. Earlier, in another match, Uthappa and Gambhir's outstanding 158-run partnership helped KKR secure a victory against Rising Pune Supergiant.
