Top 5 Biggest Partnerships In IPL

image-ls08qfrfLegendary RCB duo of Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers (X.COM)

Partnerships are vital in T20I cricket, and this significance is magnified in high-profile tournaments like the Indian Premier League (IPL).  In the T20I format, the pace of the game is frenetic, and the ability to build substantial partnerships becomes crucial for a team's success. 

​​Partnerships boost the batting team's total and put immense pressure on the opposition, making it challenging for them to contain the run flow and mount a successful chase. In the high-stakes environment of IPL, partnerships often dictate the outcome of matches and leave a lasting impression on the game. Partnerships contribute to the overall momentum of the innings. Positive partnerships can lift the team's spirits and create a favourable atmosphere on the field.


In this article, At One.Cricket  let's delve into the top 5 biggest partnerships in the IPL. 

1. Virat Kohli & AB de Villiers (229 runs)

image-ls09u0quIconic duo of Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers (X.COM)

The partnership between Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers during the IPL 2016 match against the Gujarat Lions holds the record for the highest partnership stand in the history of the Indian Premier League. Their partnership for the second wicket, accumulating a remarkable 229 runs, showcased their incredible skill and synergy as batsmen.

AB de Villiers' explosive innings of 129 runs off just 52 balls, which included 12 sixes and 10 fours, demonstrated his ability to dominate any bowling attack. His aggressive yet calculated approach to batting propelled the Royal Challengers Bangalore's innings to a commanding position.

Virat Kohli's contribution cannot be understated either. His composed knock of 109 runs off 55 balls provided the stability and support needed to complement de Villiers' aggressive onslaught. Together, they orchestrated a batting masterclass that left the Gujarat Lion's bowling attack struggling for answers.

The monumental total of 248/3 posted by RCB proved to be insurmountable for the Gujarat Lions, who succumbed to the pressure and were bundled out for just 104 runs. 

2. Virat Kohli & AB de Villiers (215 runs)

The same legendary duo Virat Kohli and AB added 215 runs for the second wicket against Mumbai Indians earlier in IPL 2015.  AB de Villiers's incredible innings of 133 runs off just 59 balls, embellished with 19 fours and 4 sixes, showcased his ability to dominate the opposition bowlers with his aggressive batting. Virat Kohli's vital contribution of 82 runs off 50 balls provided the necessary support and stability to bolster Royal Challengers Bangalore's innings.

Their exceptional partnership propelled RCB to a commanding total of 235/1 in the first innings, setting a formidable target for the Mumbai Indians. Despite a valiant effort from the Mumbai Indians in their chase, RCB's bowling unit managed to restrict them to 196/7, securing a convincing 39-run victory.

3. Quinton de Kock and KL Rahul (210 runs)

image-ls0bfwp2Quinton de Kock and KL Rahul (X.COM)

In IPL 2022, Quinton de Kock and KL Rahul registered a partnership of 210 runs for newly added Lucknow Super Giants against KKR, this partnership is ranked among the third best in the history of the IPL.

Quinton de Kock's century off just 59 balls, which included six fours and seven sixes, showcases his exceptional batting skills and ability to dominate the opposition bowlers. KL Rahul's contribution of 68 runs off 41 balls further solidified Lucknow Super Giant's commanding position in the match.

4.  Adam Gilchrist & Shaun Marsh (206 runs)

image-ls0amqpqAdam Gilchrist and Shaun Marsh (X.COM)

Adam Gilchrist and Shaun Marsh for Kings XI Punjab against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the 2011 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) was indeed a spectacular one.

Gilchrist and Marsh's partnership of 206 runs, following an early dismissal of Paul Valthaty, played a crucial role in darting KXIP to a formidable total of 232 runs. Gilchrist's explosive innings of 105 runs off just 55 balls, featuring 8 fours and 9 sixes, was particularly remarkable. Marsh's contribution of 79 runs off 49 balls added to the onslaught.

Their partnership helped KXIP secure a commanding victory, as Royal Challengers Bangalore could only manage 121 runs in reply, resulting in a memorable win for Kings XI Punjab by a massive margin of 111 runs.

5. Virat Kohli & Chris Gayle (204 runs)

image-ls0b44wxVirat Kohli and Chris Gayle (X.COM)

Virat Kohli and Chris Gayle partnership for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) against Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in the IPL 2012 is ranked fifth best in the history of the IPL.

Gayle and Kohli's partnership of 204 runs for the second wicket was indeed a remarkable feat, with Gayle's explosive innings of 128 runs coming off just 62 balls, and Kohli's solid contribution of 73 runs off 53 balls. Their partnership played a pivotal role in RCB posting a formidable total of 215/1 in the first innings.

In the chase, Delhi Daredevils managed to score 194/9, falling short of the target by 21 runs. Zaheer Khan's three wickets contributed to RCB's victory in that match.