One of the most successful teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL) is Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), which has won the title twice, in 2012 and 2014. Over the years, KKR has had some excellent opening partnerships that have set the tone for their innings. Here are the top five opening partnerships of KKR in IPL history:
(1)184 runs – Gautam Gambhir and Chris Lynn vs Gujarat Lions, 2017
Gautam Gambhir and Chris Lynn formed an explosive opening partnership for KKR in 2017. In a match against Gujarat Lions, the duo put on a massive 184-run stand in just 14.5 overs. Lynn hit 93 off 41 balls, while Gambhir scored 76 off 48. This was KKR’s highest-ever opening partnership in the IPL.
(2)152 runs – Gautam Gambhir and Robin Uthappa vs Rising Pune Supergiant, 2017
Gambhir and Uthappa formed a formidable partnership for KKR over the years. In a match against Rising Pune Supergiant in 2017, the duo put on a clinical display, scoring 152 runs in just 16.1 overs. Gambhir scored 62 off 46 balls while Uthappa remained unbeaten on 87 off 47 balls.
(3)121 runs – Gautam Gambhir and Chris Lynn vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, 2017
Gambhir and Lynn combined once again to form a lethal opening combination for KKR in a match against Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2017. The duo scored 121 runs in just 8.1 overs, with Lynn smashing 50 off 22 balls and Gambhir scoring 62 off 46 balls.
(4)118 runs – Gautam Gambhir and Robin Uthappa vs Mumbai Indians, 2016
Gambhir and Uthappa were in fine form during the 2016 season of the IPL. In a match against Mumbai Indians, the duo put on a 118-run partnership in just 13.3 overs. Gambhir scored 59 off 45 balls while Uthappa remained unbeaten on 72 off 52 balls.
(5)115 runs – Chris Lynn and Sunil Narine vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, 2018
In 2018, KKR experimented with Sunil Narine as an opener, and it worked wonders for them. In a match against Royal Challengers Bangalore, Narine and Lynn put on a 115-run partnership in just 6.1 overs, which is the fastest century partnership in IPL history. Narine smashed 50 off just 19 balls, while Lynn scored 62 off 52 balls.
Overall, KKR has had some exceptional opening partnerships over the years, and these five partnerships stand out as the best of the lot.
