Notwithstanding the format, batting partnerships are an integral part of cricket. Even in a customised format like T20, a batting partnership can change the course of the match. It can be surprising that massive partnerships can be built in an innings which lasts for a maximum of 120 balls.
The 10-year old IPL has also witnessed number of match-winning partnerships throughout its journey. Amongst the Top 5 partnerships of IPL, captain of Royal Challengers Bangalore, Virat Kohli, has featured thrice.
Here is the full list:
5. David Warner & Naman Ojha (Delhi Daredevils) – During the 55th match of IPL 2012 between Deccan Chargers and Delhi Daredevils at Hyderabad, David Warner and Naman Ojha stitched a 189*-run partnership. Ojha came in to bat at No. 3 in the first over itself. He and Warner chased 188 without losing any other wicket. Warner ended up scoring 109* (54) with the help of 10 fours and seven sixes. Ojha, on the other hand, scored an unbeaten 64 (46) with the help of two fours and five sixes.
4. Chris Gayle & Virat Kohli (Royal Challengers Bangalore) – During the 67th match of IPL 2012 between Delhi Daredevils and Royal Challengers Bangalore at Delhi, Chris Gayle and Virat Kohli joined hand to stitch a 204*-run partnership. After being put in to bat by Mahela Jayawardene, RCB lost Tillakaratne Dilshan (10) in the third over. It was at this point of time when Gayle and Kohli registered a match-winning partnership. Gayle scored his third IPL century, 128* (62), with the help of seven fours and 13 sixes. Kohli scored an unbeaten 73* (53) with the help of nine fours and a six.
3. Adam Gilchrist & Shaun Marsh (Kings XI Punjab) – During the 63rd match of IPL 2011 between Kings XI Punjab and Royal Challengers Bangalore at Dharamsala, Adam Gilchrist and Shaun Marsh shared a 206-run partnership. Marsh, who came in to bat at No. 3, joined his Australian southpaw in the fourth over. It was on the penultimate delivery of the innings when Gilchrist was dismissed on 106 (55). His innings comprised of eight fours and nine sixes. Marsh scored an unbeaten 79 (49) with the help of seven fours and five sixes. On the back of this partnership, Punjab scored a dominant 232-2 in 20 overs.
2. Virat Kohli & AB de Villiers (Royal Challengers Bangalore) – During the 46th match of IPL 2015 between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore at Mumbai, Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers stitched a 215*-run partnership. de Villiers joined his captain after the fall of Chris Gayle (13) in the fourth over. The duo enabled RCB to score 235-1 in 20 overs. Kohli ended up scoring 82* (50) with the help of six fours and four sixes. de Villiers registered his second IPL century, 133* (59), with the help of 19 fours and four sixes.
1. Virat Kohli & AB de Villiers (Royal Challengers Bangalore) – During the 44th match of IPL 2016 between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Gujarat Lions at Bengaluru, Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers stitched a 229-run partnership. de Villiers once again joined his captain after the fall of Chris Gayle (6) in the fourth over. The record-breaking innings saw RCB score 248-3 in 20 overs. Kohli ended up scoring 109 (55) with the help of five fours and eight sixes. de Villiers also scored a century, 129* (52). His innings comprised of 10 fours and 12 sixes.
