What is the highest partnership in IPL? The record is 229 runs, scored by Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers for Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Gujarat Lions at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in 2016. This legendary stand is often described as the peak of batting brilliance in the Indian Premier League.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been a stage for cricket’s most explosive batting performances. While sixes and centuries often become the centre of attraction, one element that consistently dominates the game is the ‘partnerships’.
A partnership in cricket refers to the number of runs scored between two batters before a wicket falls. In a fast-paced league like the IPL, partnerships are game-changers. Whether it’s an aggressive opening stand or a rebuilding effort in the middle overs, a good partnership can turn a tricky chase into a comfortable win.
Table of Contents
Record-Breaking Partnerships in IPL History
1) Virat Kohli & AB de Villiers – 229 runs (2016)
- Team: Royal Challengers Bengaluru
- Opponent: Gujarat Lions
- Wicket: Second
- Venue: M Chinnaswamy Stadium
This is the highest run partnership in IPL history. Kohli smashed 109 off 55, while AB de Villiers lit up the night with 129* off 52. The duo’s power hitting left the Gujarat Lions completely helpless. Even seasoned bowlers struggled to find answers.
2) Virat Kohli & AB de Villiers – 215 runs (2015)
- Team: Royal Challengers Bengaluru
- Opponent: Mumbai Indians
- Wicket: Second
The same duo had already shown their chemistry a year earlier by building an unbeaten 215 against the Mumbai Indians. Kohli’s steady 82* blended with AB’s explosive 133* off 59 balls to create one of the most balanced partnerships ever.
This stand was a warning to opponents: if Kohli and AB stayed beyond 10 overs, the match was as good as lost.
3) Quinton de Kock & KL Rahul – 210 runs (2022)
- Team: Lucknow Super Giants
- Opponent: Kolkata Knight Riders
- Wicket: First
This remains the highest opening partnership in IPL history. Rahul anchored the innings with 68*, while Quinton de Kock delivered a masterclass with 140* off just 70 balls. The opening duo never allowed KKR to return, proving that strong starts can decide T20 games.
4) Adam Gilchrist & Shaun Marsh – 206 runs (2011)
- Team: Kings XI Punjab
- Opponent: Royal Challengers Bengaluru
- Wicket: Second
In 2011, Gilchrist and Marsh became the first pair to cross 200 runs in the IPL. Gilchrist, known for his fearless batting, scored 106 off 55 balls, while Marsh’s 79 complemented him perfectly. It was a partnership that announced IPL’s potential for marathon stands.
5) Chris Gayle & Virat Kohli – 204 runs (2012)
- Team: Royal Challengers Bengaluru
- Opponent: Delhi Daredevils
When Gayle and Kohli combined, bowlers had no escape. Against the Delhi Daredevils, their 204-run stand completely blew away the opposition. Gayle hammered 128*, while Kohli anchored with 73. This match underlined RCB’s reputation as a batting powerhouse.
Top 10 highest 1st wicket partnerships in IPL
- Kohli & de Villiers – 229 (2016)
- Kohli & de Villiers – 215* (2015)
- de Kock & KL Rahul – 210* (2022)
- Gilchrist & Marsh – 206 (2011)
- Gayle & Kohli – 204 (2012)
- Kohli & Gayle – 167 (2016)
- Warner & Bairstow – 185 (2019)
- Sudharsan & Shubman Gill – 147 (2023)
- Yusuf Pathan & Shakib Al Hasan – 134 (2014)
- Gill & Sudharsan – 124 (2025, Gujarat Titans)
These records demonstrate that partnerships can thrive at any point, be it a blazing start or a careful rebuild during the middle overs
Notable Highest Partnerships by Wicket
Breaking it down by wicket helps understand where most partnerships dominate:
- Highest 1st wicket partnership in IPL: KL Rahul & Quinton de Kock – 210* (2022)
- Highest 2nd wicket partnership in IPL: Virat Kohli & AB de Villiers – 229 (2016)
- Highest 3rd wicket partnership in IPL: David Warner & Kane Williamson – 137 (2019)
- Middle-order brilliance: Yusuf Pathan & Shakib Al Hasan – 134 (2014), crucial for KKR.
These records show that partnerships can flourish at any stage—whether it’s an aggressive opening or steady rebuilding in the middle overs. Early predictions on IPL are already here, check it out!
Why Partnerships Matter in IPL?
Unlike ODIs or Tests, IPL matches give only 20 overs. In such a short format, partnerships are even more valuable. A 50-run partnership often puts a team ahead; a 100+ run stand can decide the outcome.
Here’s why partnerships play a crucial role:
- Stability: Prevents batting collapses.
- Momentum: Keeps the scoreboard ticking with boundaries and singles.
- Psychological pressure: Bowlers lose confidence when two batters dominate.
- Strategic advantage: Allows hitters to take more risks when one partner is settled.
Future Prospects for Partnerships in IPL
The IPL has always been a breeding ground for extraordinary batting displays, and partnerships remain at the heart of this success. Over the years, records like the 229-run stand between Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers or the 210-run opening partnership between KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock* have gone beyond just numbers. They represent domination, team chemistry, and the entertainment that defines the Indian Premier League.
For fans, these partnerships are a reminder that cricket is not just about individual brilliance but about two batters complementing each other. Kohli’s consistency and AB’s explosiveness, Rahul’s calmness with de Kock’s aggression, and Gilchrist’s leadership alongside Marsh’s timing—each duo shows how contrasting styles can produce history.
Looking ahead, the future of IPL partnerships appears brighter than ever. With rising stars like Shubman Gill, B Sai Sudharsan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Yashasvi Jaiswal, there is every chance that records will continue to tumble. Teams today invest heavily in scouting young openers and middle-order anchors who can build partnerships under pressure.
Another factor is the changing nature of T20 cricket itself. Batters now train specifically for high strike rates, innovative shots, and the ability to maintain aggression for long periods. This means that partnerships of 150+ runs may soon become more common, and the long-standing 229-run record could even be challenged in the next few seasons.
Conclusion
The highest partnerships in IPL history aren’t just about numbers—they define team success, momentum shifts, and unforgettable entertainment for cricket fans. From Kohli & AB de Villiers’ record-breaking 229 to Rahul & de Kock’s unbeaten 210, these stands are a testament to the IPL’s attacking brand of cricket.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the highest partnership in IPL?
229 runs by Virat Kohli & AB de Villiers in 2016.
Which is the highest partnership in IPL opening?
KL Rahul & Quinton de Kock with 210 runs* in 2022.
What is the highest first-wicket partnership in IPL?
Rahul & de Kock’s unbeaten 210* is the record.
Which is the highest partnership in IPL history overall?
Kohli & de Villiers’ 229-run stand is the all-time best.