The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a tournament where power-packed innings and electrifying partnerships leave cricket fans in awe. While individual centuries deserve applause, it’s the collective effort of two batsmen weaving their magic on the crease that truly sets pulses racing. In this article, we dig into the record books to explore the highest partnership in IPL history, paying tribute to the duos who have rewritten the boundaries of T20 batting.
Highest partnership in IPL history till 2024
Here is the detail of the top 10 Highest partnership in IPL history:
At the summit of this glorious list stands the legendary Bangalore Royal Challengers pair of Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers. In a 2016 match against the Gujarat Lions, the batting behemoths unleashed an unstoppable storm, amassing a monumental 229 runs for the 2nd wicket. Both Kohli (109* off 55) and de Villiers (129* off 52) smashed scintillating centuries, leaving the bowlers bewildered and the crowd mesmerized. This record-breaking stand propelled RCB to a dominant victory and remains etched in IPL lore as a testament to sheer batting brilliance.
Here is the list of the Highest partnership in IPL history:
| S.No. | Partners | Runs | Wicket | Team | Opposition | Ground | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | V Kohli, AB de Villiers | 229 | 2nd | RCB | Guj Lions | Bengaluru | 14 May 2016 |
| 2. | V Kohli, AB de Villiers | 215* | 2nd | RCB | Mumbai | Wankhede | 10 May 2015 |
| 3. | KL Rahul, Q de Kock | 210* | 1st | Super Giants | KKR | DY Patil | 18 May 2022 |
| 4. | SE Marsh, AC Gilchrist | 206 | 2nd | Kings XI | RCB | Dharamsala | 17 May 2011 |
| 5. | V Kohli, CH Gayle | 204* | 2nd | RCB | Daredevils | Delhi | 17 May 2012 |
| 6. | DA Warner, NV Ojha | 189* | 2nd | Daredevils | Chargers | Hyderabad | 10 May 2012 |
| 7. | DA Warner, JM Bairstow | 185 | 1st | Sunrisers | RCB | Hyderabad | 31 Mar 2019 |
| 8. | CA Lynn, G Gambhir | 184* | 1st | KKR | Guj Lions | Rajkot | 7 Apr 2017 |
| 9. | KL Rahul, MA Agarwal | 183 | 1st | Kings XI | RR | Sharjah | 27 Sep 2020 |
| 10. | RD Gaikwad, DP Conway | 182 | 1st | Super Kings | Sunrisers | Pune | 1 May 2022 |
| 11. | SR Watson, F du Plessis | 181* | 1st | Super Kings | Kings XI | Dubai (DSC) | 4 Oct 2020 |
| 12. | D Padikkal, V Kohli | 181* | 1st | RCB | RR | Wankhede | 22 Apr 2021 |
| 13. | KS Williamson, S Dhawan | 176* | 2nd | Sunrisers | Daredevils | Delhi | 10 May 2018 |
| 14. | V Kohli, F du Plessis | 172 | 1st | RCB | Sunrisers | Hyderabad | 18 May 2023 |
| 15. | RG Sharma, HH Gibbs | 167* | 2nd | Mumbai | KKR | Eden Gardens | 12 May 2012 |
Also Read: Highest partnership in ODI cricket
Wankhede, May 10, 2015, Pepsi Indian Premier League: Highest partnership in IPL history
On May 10, 2015, in the 46th match of the Pepsi Indian Premier League (IPL) held at the Wankhede Stadium, cricket fans were treated to a sublime display of batting prowess by two modern-day legends – Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers. Playing for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), this dynamic duo etched their names in IPL history with a scintillating partnership that left spectators in awe. This is one of the Highest partnership in IPL history.
Batting against the Mumbai Indians, Kohli and de Villiers showcased a masterclass in T20 batting. The pair’s synergy was evident as they effortlessly dismantled the opposition’s bowling attack. Kohli, the epitome of elegance and consistency, played a captain’s knock, while de Villiers, known for his innovative strokes, added flair to the partnership.
The partnership reached its crescendo when the RCB scoreboard displayed a staggering total of 235/1 in their 20 overs. Kohli played a captain’s innings, scoring a majestic 82 runs off 50 balls, while de Villiers was nothing short of spectacular, contributing an explosive 133* runs off just 59 deliveries.
This record-breaking partnership of 215 runs for the second wicket propelled RCB to a comprehensive victory and stood as the highest partnership in IPL history until it was eventually surpassed in later seasons. Kohli and de Villiers’ monumental stand showcased the true essence of partnership batting and solidified their status as two of the most formidable batsmen in the T20 arena.
Dharamsala, May 17, 2011, Indian Premier League: Highest partnership in IPL history
On May 17, 2011, in the 63rd match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) held at the scenic Dharamsala, cricket fans witnessed a spectacular display of batting brilliance as Adam Gilchrist and Shaun Marsh orchestrated a formidable partnership. Playing for the Kings XI Punjab, this dynamic opening duo left an indelible mark on the tournament with their explosive performance against the Royal Challengers Bangalore.
The match unfolded at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, and the Kings XI Punjab won the toss, opting to bat first. What followed was a batting spectacle that enthralled spectators. Gilchrist and Marsh stitched together a remarkable partnership, laying waste to the opposition bowling attack.
Adam Gilchrist, the swashbuckling Australian wicketkeeper-batsman, played a captain’s innings, scoring a blistering 106 runs off just 55 deliveries. His innings included 8 boundaries and a staggering 9 sixes. Shaun Marsh, the stylish left-hander from Australia, complemented Gilchrist’s aggression with finesse, contributing a valuable 79 runs from 49 balls.
The partnership between Gilchrist and Marsh amassed an imposing 206 runs for the second wicket, setting a new record for the highest partnership in IPL history at that time. Their explosive performance propelled Kings XI Punjab to a formidable total, leaving the Royal Challengers Bangalore with a daunting task ahead. The partnership of 206 remains etched in the memories of cricket enthusiasts as a testament to the dynamic and entertaining nature of T20 cricket.
Delhi, May 17, 2012, Indian Premier League: Highest partnership in IPL history
On May 17, 2012, the 67th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) unfolded in Delhi, showcasing a breathtaking display of power-hitting and cricketing prowess. The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) faced off against an opponent in a high-stakes encounter that would be remembered for the dynamic partnership between two modern-day cricket giants, Chris Gayle and Virat Kohli.
Playing at the Feroz Shah Kotla Ground, RCB won the toss and elected to bat first. What followed was a batting masterclass by Gayle and Kohli, leaving the Delhi Daredevils bowlers hapless in their pursuit of wickets.
Chris Gayle, the explosive West Indian batsman, was at his destructive best. He unleashed a barrage of boundaries and towering sixes, amassing a formidable 128* runs off just 62 deliveries. Virat Kohli, the Indian batting maestro, played the perfect supporting role, contributing a classy 73 runs from 53 balls.
The partnership between Gayle and Kohli reached an astonishing 215 runs for the second wicket. Their relentless onslaught set a new record for the highest partnership in IPL history at that time. RCB finished their innings with a mammoth total of 215/1 in 20 overs, leaving the Delhi Daredevils with an uphill task.
Gayle and Kohli’s partnership showcased the true essence of T20 cricket, blending power and finesse in a manner that captivated cricket fans worldwide. This record-breaking stand remains etched in IPL history as a testament to the sheer dominance that these two batting stalwarts brought to the tournament.
Conclusion: Highest partnership in IPL history
As the IPL enters its next chapter, the quest for the highest partnership is bound to continue. With new talents emerging and established stars pushing their limits, who knows what batting records await in the seasons to come? One thing is certain, the pursuit of excellence in the form of breathtaking partnerships will keep the IPL audience enthralled for years to come.
So, the next time you witness a batsman carving boundaries and his partner running tirelessly between the wickets, remember, you might be witnessing the birth of another record-breaking partnership, destined to be etched in the annals of IPL history.
