IPL 2024: Ranking Best Openers in Tata IPL 2024

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 is just around the corner, and cricket fans are buzzing with excitement. The tournament opener on March 22 will feature a clash between the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bangalore at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. CSK, the defending champions, will be looking to start their campaign on a high note after defeating the Gujarat Titans in the 2023 final to clinch their fifth IPL title.

While a lot of the success in the IPL depends on the strategies and player selections made at the auction table, it ultimately comes down to the performances on the field during the grueling two-and-a-half-month league. One of the most crucial roles in any IPL team is that of the opening batsmen.

A strong start from the openers can set the tone for the entire innings and put the team in a commanding position.Let’s take a look at the top three most explosive opening pairs for the IPL 2024 season:

1. Yashasvi Jaiswal & Jos Buttler (Rajasthan Royals)

The Rajasthan Royals have struck gold with the opening combination of young Indian talent Yashasvi Jaiswal and England’s explosive wicket-keeper batsman Jos Buttler. Despite some inconsistency, this duo managed to amass 550 runs in the previous IPL season at an impressive average of 42.30 and a strike rate of over 150.

Jaiswal, in particular, had a breakout season in 2023, scoring 625 runs in just 14 innings. His ability to take on the bowlers from the very first over and maintain a high strike rate throughout his innings makes him a valuable asset for the Royals. Buttler, on the other hand, brings a wealth of experience and destructive hitting power to the table. When these two are firing on all cylinders, no bowling attack is safe.

2. Rohit Sharma & Ishan Kishan (Mumbai Indians)

The Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma is widely regarded as one of the most dangerous batsmen in T20 cricket. Although he may not have been at his absolute best in recent years, Sharma’s ability to take apart opposition bowling attacks cannot be underestimated.

When he is paired with the dynamic left-handed batsman Ishan Kishan, the Mumbai Indians have a formidable opening partnership.

Sharma often takes on the responsibility of scoring quick runs in the powerplay, allowing Kishan to play a slightly more anchoring role and bat deep into the innings. However, both batsmen are equally capable of shifting gears and taking the attack to the bowlers when required.

3. Virat Kohli & Faf du Plessis (Royal Challengers Bangalore)

The Royal Challengers Bangalore made a strategic decision to promote Virat Kohli to open the batting alongside South African veteran Faf du Plessis, and the results have been nothing short of spectacular. Although opening may not be Kohli’s preferred position, he has adapted brilliantly and formed a formidable partnership with du Plessis.

In the 2023 IPL season, Kohli and du Plessis were the most prolific opening pair, scoring a staggering 939 runs between them at strike rates in excess of 150. Their ability to score quickly and consistently has given RCB the perfect platform to launch their power-packed middle order. With both batsmen in top form, the RCB faithful will be hoping for more fireworks from this dynamic duo in IPL 2024.

Other Notable Opening Pairs

While the above-mentioned three pairs are expected to be the most explosive in IPL 2024, there are several other opening combinations that could make a significant impact:

• David Warner & Prithvi Shaw (Delhi Capitals): The experienced Australian opener David Warner will be looking to form a strong partnership with the young and talented Prithvi Shaw for the Delhi Capitals.
• Shikhar Dhawan & Mayank Agarwal (Punjab Kings): The left-right combination of Shikhar Dhawan and Mayank Agarwal could prove to be a handful for opposition bowlers, with both batsmen capable of scoring quickly and consistently.
• Ruturaj Gaikwad & Devon Conway (Chennai Super Kings): The defending champions CSK will be banking on the young Indian opener Ruturaj Gaikwad and New Zealand’s Devon Conway to provide them with solid starts throughout the tournament.