From Virat-AB to Gayle-Dilshan: Throwback to RCB's five top partnerships in the IPL

In another intriguing part of the series that we have started in build-up to the imminent franchise extravaganza, in the latest installation of the same, we are all set to take you through the best partnerships of the Challengers over the years.

Partnerships are a crucial part of cricket and life alike. Either be it the Doctor and his companions or Rick and Morty, a good partnership is quintessential for a team to walk a long way. Without wasting further time, let us take you all for a walk down memory lane.

Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers – 229 vs Gujarat Lions, Bengaluru, 2016

Batting first, the Challengers were jolted to a rude awakening as Chris Gayle departed early, thanks to Dhawal Kulkarni who kissed his timbre. What followed next was a rampage from two of world cricket's best batters as Kohli and de Villiers started peppering the bowlers into all corners of the park. Shivil Kaushik, Pravin Tambe, Dwayne Bravo, and Dwayne Smith were the most hammered of the lot. Praveen Kumar surprisingly started with a maiden and then got pegged for 45 runs despite a couple of wickets. By the time the duo was done tormenting the Lions, the scorecard read 248, a total that is rarely seen in the shortest format of the game.

Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers – 215 vs Mumbai Indians, Mumbai, 2015

Lasith Malinga’s premature celebrations after removing Chris Gayle early in the innings ended up opening a Pandora’s Box for the Mumbai Indians as ABD and VK pressed on the gas way too early. Even before the Blue Army could figure out what exactly was going on, the duo was launching the bowlers to the stands for fun. Virat was the calmer of the two and ABD was a man possessed. No matter whatsoever Mumbai Indians threw at the two, they were flipping them to the ropes impudently. The duo piled up a momentous stand of 215 runs for the second wicket, propelling the Challengers to a staggering 235.

Chris Gayle and Virat Kohli – 204 vs Delhi Daredevils, Delhi, 2012

These were the wee days of the Challengers and Virat was just getting in the groove. As the tournament was slowly heading towards its twilight, the Challengers continued with their might over Mumbai Indians. Despite Dilshan slipping early, Gayle and Kohli were simply way too staggering for Delhi. Gayle took the charge while Kohli played the second fiddle with equal brilliance. The duo smacked 16 fours and 14 sixes amongst them. Kohli’s knock saw the Challengers dispersing one boundary after the other while Gayle smashed the bowlers across the ropes as he racked up 13 sixes in the game. The duo stayed unbeaten for 204 runs as RCB piled up 215 on the cards.

Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal – 181 vs Rajasthan Royals, Mumbai, 2021

 This was kind of a staggering heartbreak for the Royals as their batters put up a spirited display, egging on the bowlers to grab the stage by storm. Sadly, for them, Kohli and Padikkal had other plans as they whacked around the bowlers with consummate ease. Padikkal spearheaded the charge individually as he racked up his maiden century in the glorious franchise extravaganza while Kohli was happy to take the back-burner. The duo won the contest in just 16.3 overs, a feat that would make the Royals wonder what exactly just unfolded.

Chris Gayle and TM Dilshan – 167 vs Pune Warriors, Bengaluru, 2013

A contest that the entire world won’t forget, Chris Gayle smoked the Warriors with extreme prejudice, chronicling the feat of the highest T20 score in a single inning. However, the madness started with Dilshan as the Caribbean biffer took it upon himself to conjure massive strikes, condemning the bowlers to every single nook and cranny of the park. Dilshan played the slow anchor while Gayle was a man on a mission. The duo put together 167 runs for the opening partnership, setting up the perfect overture for Gayle’s mind-blowing crescendo.