The Indian Premier League (IPL) has witnessed numerous remarkable batting partnership performances since its inception.
Among these, certain partnerships have stood out, showcasing exceptional teamwork among two batters and individual brilliance.
These record-breaking stands have not only entertained fans but also played crucial roles in shaping match outcomes.
This article shows the top 10 highest partnerships in IPL history, highlighting the players involved, the context of their innings, and their impact.
Top 10 Highest Partnerships In IPL
The 10 highest partnerships in IPL feature Virat Kohli twice and his team RCB thrice. There’s something about this team and its batters that are always outshining other batters.
| Partners | Team | Runs | Wicket | Against | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 229 | 2nd | Gujarat Lions | 14 May 2016 | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru |
| Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 215* | 2nd | Mumbai Indians | 10 May 2015 | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai |
| Quinton de Kock and KL Rahul | Lucknow Super Giants | 210* | 1st | Kolkata Knight Riders | 18 May 2022 | DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai |
| Shubman Gill and B. Sai Sudharsan | Gujarat Titans | 210 | 1st | Chennai Super Kings | 10 May 2024 | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad |
| Adam Gilchrist and Shaun Marsh | Kings XI Punjab | 206 | 2nd | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 17 May 2011 | HPCA Stadium, Dharamshala |
| Virat Kohli and Chris Gayle | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 204* | 2nd | Delhi Daredevils | 17 May 2012 | Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi |
| David Warner and Naman Ojha | Delhi Daredevils | 189* | 2nd | Deccan Chargers | 10 May 2012 | Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad |
| Jonny Bairstow and David Warner | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 185 | 1st | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 31 March 2019 | Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad |
| Gautam Gambhir and Chris Lynn | Kolkata Knight Riders | 184* | 1st | Gujarat Lions | 7 April 2017 | Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot |
| Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul | Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) | 183 | 1st | Rajasthan Royals | 27 September 2020 | Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah |
1. Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers – 229 Runs (RCB vs GL, 2016)
One of the most iconic partnerships in IPL history, Kohli and de Villiers decimated Gujarat Lions with a breathtaking 229-run stand.
Their aggressive stroke play and relentless hitting took RCB to a mammoth total of 248/3. AB de Villiers scored 129* off 52 balls, while Kohli contributed 109 off 55.
RCB won the match convincingly by 144 runs, showcasing one of the most dominant batting performances in IPL.
2. Virat Kohli And AB de Villiers – 215 Runs (RCB vs MI, 2015)*
Kohli and de Villiers showcased their brilliance in IPL 2015 against Mumbai Indians.
Their unbeaten 215-run stand propelled RCB to 235/1, with de Villiers smashing 133* off 59 balls and Kohli adding 82* off 50. Their partnership dismantled Mumbai’s bowling attack, setting an imposing target.
Despite their efforts, Mumbai fell short, handing RCB a commanding 39-run victory. This innings remains one of the most dominant partnerships in IPL history.
3. Quinton de Kock and KL Rahul – 210 Runs (LSG vs KKR, 2022)*
De Kock and Rahul’s 210-run partnership for Lucknow Super Giants was a masterclass in controlled aggression.
De Kock played an incredible knock of 140* off 70 balls, while Rahul supported with 68* off 51. Their stand helped LSG post 210/0, and despite KKR’s valiant chase, they fell short by just 2 runs.
This partnership remains the highest opening stand in IPL history.
4. Shubman Gill and B. Sai Sudharsan – 210 Runs (GT vs CSK, 2024)
In 2024, Shubman Gill and B. Sai Sudharsan forged a formidable 210-run partnership against Chennai Super Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
Their dominance at the crease helped Gujarat Titans post a strong total, with both batsmen displaying excellent stroke play.
This partnership set the foundation for a comfortable victory, reinforcing Gujarat’s strength in the IPL and highlighting their ability to perform under pressure in crucial matches.
5. Adam Gilchrist and Shaun Marsh – 206 Runs (KXIP vs RCB, 2011)
In 2011, Adam Gilchrist and Shaun Marsh forged a formidable 206-run partnership for Kings XI Punjab against RCB in Dharamshala.
Gilchrist’s explosive 106 off 55 balls, filled with powerful strokes, set the tone, while Marsh anchored the innings with a steady 79 off 49. Their onslaught powered Punjab to 232/2, putting the match beyond RCB’s reach.
The bowlers capitalized on the massive total, sealing a commanding 111-run victory in one of IPL’s most lopsided games.
6. Virat Kohli and Chris Gayle – 204 Runs (RCB vs DD, 2012)
Virat Kohli and Chris Gayle formed a dominant 204-run partnership for RCB against Delhi Daredevils in 2012.
Gayle’s destructive 128* off 62 balls, packed with boundaries and towering sixes, was complemented by Kohli’s composed 73 off 53. Their stand powered RCB to 215/1, leaving Delhi with an uphill task.
The target proved insurmountable as Bangalore clinched a convincing 21-run victory, highlighting their batting firepower and Gayle’s ability to single-handedly dismantle bowling attacks.
7. David Warner and Naman Ojha – 189 Runs (DD vs DC, 2012)
In 2012, David Warner and Naman Ojha crafted a match-winning 189-run partnership for Delhi Daredevils against Deccan Chargers.
Warner’s explosive 109* off 54 balls and Ojha’s steady 64* off 46 guided Delhi to a comfortable chase of 188. Their blend of power-hitting and calculated stroke play dismantled the opposition’s bowling attack, securing an eight-wicket victory.
This stand remains one of the most memorable partnerships in IPL history, showcasing their composure under pressure.
8. Jonny Bairstow and David Warner – 185 Runs (SRH vs RCB, 2019)
Jonny Bairstow and David Warner formed a destructive 185-run opening partnership against Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2019.
Bairstow’s blistering 114 off 56 balls and Warner’s explosive 100 off 55 powered Sunrisers Hyderabad to a commanding total of 231/2. Their aggressive stroke play left RCB’s bowlers clueless, leading to a crushing 118-run defeat.
This partnership remains one of the most dominant displays of one-sided batting in IPL history, showcasing Hyderabad’s firepower at the top.
9. Gautam Gambhir and Chris Lynn – 184 Runs (KKR vs GL, 2017)
Kolkata Knight Riders’ opening duo, Gautam Gambhir and Chris Lynn, produced a breathtaking 184-run unbeaten partnership against Gujarat Lions in 2017.
Lynn’s explosive 93* off 41 balls and Gambhir’s steady 76* off 48 helped KKR chase down the target in just 14.5 overs.
Their fearless batting dismantled Gujarat’s bowling attack, making it one of the most dominant and fastest chases in IPL history, showcasing KKR’s aggressive intent.
10. Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul – 183 Runs (KXIP vs RR, 2020)
In 2020, Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul combined for a stunning 183-run opening stand against Rajasthan Royals.
Agarwal blazed his way to 106 off 50 balls, while Rahul anchored the innings with 69 off 54.
Their explosive start helped Punjab post 223, but despite their efforts, Rajasthan scripted a record-breaking chase, winning with three balls to spare in a thrilling contest that showcased the sheer unpredictability of the IPL.
Conclusion: Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers’ 229-Run Stand Remains IPL’s Highest Partnership
The IPL has witnessed many record-breaking partnerships, but Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers’ 229-run stand in 2016 remains the highest.
These partnerships have not only set records but also shaped unforgettable matches, showcasing the importance of teamwork and individual brilliance.
From Shubman Gill’s dominance to Warner-Bairstow’s explosive batting, each stand has left a lasting impact.
As the IPL evolves, new milestones may emerge, but these partnerships will always be remembered as some of the finest in T20 history.