# The 10 Most Unstoppable Batting Duos in IPL History

The 10 Most Unstoppable Batting Duos in IPL History

Cricket fans know the IPL isn’t just about individual brilliance—it’s about partnerships that leave bowlers scratching their heads and fans jumping out of their seats. Some of these pairings have been so dominant that they’ve rewritten record books in a single innings.

Let’s take a look at the **10 highest partnerships in IPL history**, where two batters turned the game into their own personal highlight reel.

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1. Kohli & de Villiers – 229 Runs (RCB vs. Gujarat Lions, 2016)

If there was ever a batting masterclass, this was it. **Virat Kohli** and **AB de Villiers** absolutely demolished Gujarat Lions in 2016, putting up an insane **229-run stand**. Kohli was in god mode that season (he scored **four centuries** in IPL 2016!), and AB was, well, AB—unpredictable, unstoppable, and pure entertainment.

Fun fact: They didn’t just break the record—they shattered it by **42 runs**. The only downside? RCB still didn’t win the trophy that year. Goes to show that even the greatest partnerships can’t always carry a team to glory.

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2. Kohli & de Villiers – 215 Runs (RCB vs. Mumbai Indians, 2015)

Yep, these two again. Just a year before their 229-run rampage, Kohli and AB piled on **215 runs** against Mumbai Indians. The scary part? They did it in just **15 overs**.

Mumbai’s bowlers had no answers—every over was either a boundary or a six. Imagine being a bowler that day: You run in, bowl your best delivery, and it still disappears into the stands. Brutal.

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3. Gilchrist & Marsh – 206 Runs (KXIP vs. RCB, 2011)

Adam Gilchrist was already a legend, and Shaun Marsh was one of the most underrated T20 batters of his time. Together, they tore apart RCB’s bowling attack in 2011, racking up **206 runs** in a single innings.

Gilchrist’s explosive start and Marsh’s effortless strokeplay made this one of the most **aesthetically pleasing** partnerships in IPL history. Sadly, Kings XI Punjab still had a shaky season—proof that one great game doesn’t always mean a great tournament.

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4. Gayle & Kohli – 204 Runs (RCB vs. Delhi Capitals, 2012)

Chris Gayle and Virat Kohli—**the ultimate power duo**. In 2012, they combined to smash **204 runs** against Delhi (then Daredevils). Gayle, as usual, was hitting sixes for fun, while Kohli played the perfect supporting role before going berserk himself.

This was peak **”Gayle Storm”** era, where bowlers genuinely feared what he’d do to them. And with Kohli at the other end? Forget about it.

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5. Warner & Ojha – 189 Runs (SRH vs. Deccan Chargers, 2012)

Before David Warner became **SRH’s captain and run-machine**, he was already making waves. In 2012, he and Naman Ojha put together a **189-run stand** against Deccan Chargers.

Warner’s aggressive style and Ojha’s calculated hitting made this a **perfect T20 partnership**. The only problem? SRH still struggled that season—another case of individual brilliance not always translating to team success.

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6. Agarwal & Rahul – 183 Runs (KXIP vs. RR, 2020)

KL Rahul was in the form of his life in 2020, and Mayank Agarwal was his perfect partner in crime. Against Rajasthan Royals, they piled on **183 runs**, making it look effortless.

Rahul’s elegance and Agarwal’s aggression made them one of the most **watchable opening pairs** that season. But KXIP’s inconsistency meant even this mammoth stand didn’t guarantee a deep playoff run.

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7. Gambhir & Lynn – 184* Runs (KKR vs. Gujarat Lions, 2017)

Gautam Gambhir was KKR’s backbone, and Chris Lynn was their **human wrecking ball**. Together, they chased down Gujarat Lions’ total without breaking a sweat, finishing with an unbeaten **184-run partnership**.

Lynn’s six-hitting and Gambhir’s calm leadership made this one of KKR’s most dominant wins. But as we’ve seen before, one great game doesn’t always mean a title.

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8. Bairstow & Warner – 185 Runs (SRH vs. RCB, 2019)

Jonny Bairstow and David Warner were **absolute carnage** in 2019. Against RCB, they put up **185 runs**, with Bairstow scoring a century and Warner not far behind.

This was one of those rare partnerships where **both batters were in peak form at the same time**. RCB’s bowlers? Well, let’s just say they probably wanted the match to end early.

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9. de Kock & Rahul – 192* Runs (LSG vs. KKR, 2022)

Quinton de Kock and KL Rahul were **unstoppable** in Lucknow’s debut season. Against KKR, they chased down a big total with ease, finishing with an unbeaten **192-run stand**.

Rahul’s class and de Kock’s aggression made them a nightmare for bowlers. But like many of these partnerships, it was a **one-off masterclass** in a season full of ups and downs.

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10. McCullum & Smith – 167 Runs (CSK vs. DC, 2015)

Brendon McCullum and Dwayne Smith were **pure entertainment** for CSK. In 2015, they blasted **167 runs** against Delhi, setting the tone for another strong CSK season.

McCullum’s fearless hitting and Smith’s brute force made them one of the most **explosive opening pairs** in IPL history. And unlike some others on this list, CSK actually **won the title** that year—proof that consistency matters just as much as big scores.

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### The Bigger Picture

These partnerships are more than just numbers—they’re **moments of magic** that define the IPL. But here’s the thing: **One great stand doesn’t win you a tournament.** Teams need balance, depth, and consistency.

That’s why RCB, despite having Kohli, Gayle, and AB, **never won an IPL title** during their peak years. Meanwhile, teams like CSK and MI built **squads** that delivered under pressure.

So while we celebrate these **record-breaking duos**, let’s not forget—**cricket is a team sport.** And sometimes, the best partnerships are the ones that lead to trophies, not just stats.

Which of these stands is your favorite? Drop your thoughts below! 🏏🔥