The Indian Premier League has been home to some of the most breathtaking batting partnerships that T20 cricket has ever witnessed. Over 18 seasons, this league has witnessed monstrous partnerships.
The record for the highest partnership in IPL history is 229 runs, set by Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers for Royal Challengers Bangalore against Gujarat Lions in 2016. Remarkably, the same pair also holds the second spot on this list. Apart from them, Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan are the only 2nd pair to place twice in the top 10, while David Warner also features in 2 biggest IPL partnerships, but with different partners. Here is a complete look at the top 10 highest partnerships in IPL history.
Top 10 Highest Partnerships in IPL History
Here is the list of the top 10 highest partnerships in IPL history.
| Partners | Runs | Wicket | Team | Opposition | Match Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers | 229 | 2nd | RCB | v Gujarat Lions | 14 May 2016 |
| Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers | 215* | 2nd | RCB | v MI | 10 May 2015 |
| KL Rahul, Quinton de Kock | 210* | 1st | LSG | v KKR | 18 May 2022 |
| Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan | 210 | 1st | GT | v CSK | 10 May 2024 |
| Shaun Marsh, Adam Gilchrist | 206 | 2nd | Kings XI | v RCB | 17 May 2011 |
| Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan | 205* | 1st | GT | v DC | 18 May 2025 |
| Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle | 204* | 2nd | RCB | v Daredevils | 17 May 2012 |
| David Warner, Naman Ojha | 189* | 2nd | Daredevils | v Chargers | 10 May 2012 |
| David Warner, Jonny Bairstow | 185 | 1st | SRH | v RCB | 31 Mar 2019 |
| Chris Lynn, Gautam Gambhir | 184* | 1st | KKR | v Gujarat Lions | 7 Apr 2017 |
1. 229 Runs: Virat Kohli & AB de Villiers vs Gujarat Lions, 2016
It is one of the greatest batting displays in IPL history. Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers smashed brilliant centuries to power Royal Challengers Bangalore to 248 runs. Gujarat Lions chose to bowl first, but that decision quickly turned disastrous.
After a steady start, RCB exploded in the final overs, scoring 167 runs in the last nine. De Villiers stayed unbeaten on 129 off 52 balls, while Kohli added 109 off 55. Their 229-run partnership came in just 96 balls, setting a record. Gujarat Lions failed to respond and were bowled out for 104. RCB won by a massive 144 runs in a dominant performance.
2. 215* Runs: Virat Kohli & AB de Villiers vs Mumbai Indians, 2015
Kohli and de Villiers delivered another unforgettable performance at Wankhede Stadium. After an early wicket, they took full control of the innings and built an unbeaten 215-run partnership. AB de Villiers led the charge with a stunning 133 off 59 balls, attacking every bowler with confidence.
Kohli played a crucial supporting role with 82 off 50 balls, supporting AB’s with timely boundaries. RCB posted a massive 235/1, putting pressure on the Mumbai Indians. Despite a strong effort from Kieron Pollard (49 off 34) and Lendi Simmons (68 off 53), Mumbai fell short. RCB secured a comfortable 39-run victory, and the crowd witnessed one of the finest T20 partnerships ever played.
3. 210* Runs: KL Rahul & Quinton de Kock vs KKR, 2022
This partnership created history as the highest opening stand in IPL. KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock added 210 runs without losing a wicket. De Kock played a sensational knock of 140 off 70 balls. He accelerated brilliantly, especially in the final overs. Rahul supported him with a composed 68*.
Lucknow Super Giants posted a huge total, putting KKR under pressure. Although KKR fought back strongly with Shreyas Iyer (50 off 29) and Rinku SInhg’s explosive 40 runs in just 15 balls, they fell short by just 2 runs in a thrilling finish.
4. 210 Runs: Shubman Gill & Sai Sudharsan vs Chennai Super Kings, 2024
This partnership is the highest all-Indian stand in IPL history. Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan added 210 runs as an opening pair for the Gujarat Titans. It was also the first 200+ partnership of IPL 2024. The match was played on 10 May at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. Gujarat Titans won the toss and chose to bat first. Both players scored centuries, becoming only the third pair to do so in a single IPL innings. Their partnership helped GT post 231/3 on the board.
This stand also made them one of the few pairs in men’s T20 cricket with 2 200+ partnerships in IPL, alongside Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers. Chennai Super Kings could not chase the target and finished at 196/8. Gujarat Titans won the match by 35 runs.
5. 206 Runs: Shaun Marsh & Adam Gilchrist vs RCB, 2011
In 4th place, Adam Gilchrist and Shaun Marsh put together 206 runs for Kings XI Punjab. Gilchrist led from the front with an aggressive 106 off 55 balls, attacking from the start.
Marsh supported him with a calm, steady 79*, ensuring the innings never slowed. The target was too big, and RCB collapsed under pressure, getting all out for 121. Piyush Chawla took 4/17 and helped Punjab win by a huge margin of 111 runs.
6. 205* Runs: Shubman Gill & Sai Sudharsan vs Delhi Capitals, 2025
The opening pair of Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan built an unbeaten 205-run stand while chasing a target close to 200. Delhi Capitals had posted a strong score, but Gujarat Titans responded with calm and confidence. Sudharsan scored 108* while Gill contributed 93*, letting GT win the match by 10 wickets.
Their partnership ensured no pressure built during the chase. They completed the target with ease and time to spare. This achievement made the Gujarat Titans the only team to chase 200+ without losing a wicket.
7. 204* Runs: Virat Kohli & Chris Gayle vs Delhi Daredevils, 2012
Virat Kohli and Chris Gayle delivered a powerful performance for RCB in this match. The duo added 204 runs, with Gayle playing the lead role. He smashed an unbeaten 128 off 62 balls, hitting boundaries and sixes with ease.
Kohli supported him well with 73 off 53 balls. Their partnership took RCB to 215/1, setting a strong target. Delhi Daredevils struggled to keep up with the required run rate and eventually managed only 194/9.
8. 189* Runs: David Warner & Naman Ojha vs Deccan Chargers, 2012
This partnership showcased a dominant chase by the Delhi Daredevils. After losing an early wicket, David Warner and Naman Ojha took control of the game. Warner played an outstanding innings, scoring 109* off 54 balls, while Ojha supported him with 64*.
Together, they built an unbeaten 189-run stand. The pair chased down the target of 188 in just 16.4 overs, leaving no chance for the opposition.
9. 185 Runs: David Warner & Jonny Bairstow vs RCB, 2019
In the 2019 IPL season. David Warner and Jonny Bairstow built a massive 185-run partnership, both scoring centuries. Bairstow smashed 114 off 56 balls, while Warner scored 100 off 55.
Their aggressive batting helped Sunrisers Hyderabad post 231 runs. RCB had no answer to this strong total and were bowled out cheaply. The team lost by 118 runs, and RCB bowled out at just 113.
10. 184* Runs: Chris Lynn & Gautam Gambhir vs Gujarat Lions, 2017
Chris Lynn and Gautam Gambhir delivered a record-breaking opening partnership for KKR. Chasing 184, the duo made it look effortless. Lynn played an explosive inning of 93 runs in 41 balls, hitting boundaries and sixes with ease, while Gambhir kept steady and controlled by scoring 76*.
Together, they added 184 runs without losing a wicket. KKR completed the chase quickly, winning with 5 overs remaining. It was one of the most dominant chases in IPL history, showing how strong opening partnerships can completely control a game.
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Conclusion: The Greatest Partnerships in IPL History is 229 Runs
Across 18 seasons, the IPL has produced 7 partnerships of 200 or more, and the highest is between AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli. This pair added 229 for the 2nd wicket against the Gujarat Lions. In the top 10, 5 partnerships belong to the opening pair, while the other 5 belong to the 2nd wicket. Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill are the only pair in the top 10.
