5 unusual opening pairs in IPL history that you might have forgotten

Before IPL 2026, we present you five unusual opening pairs in IPL history who surprising tactical decisions, including Sachin Tendulkar and James Franklin, and Chris Gayle with Cheteshwar Pujara.

These IPL opening pairs were mostly successful despite being contrasting to each other.

While we often celebrate legendary opening pairs like David Warner and Jonny Bairstow or Virat Kohli and Chris Gayle, the IPL's history is filled with experimental opening pairs that seem to defy logic. Some were tactical masterstrokes, while others were constant partnerships that simply feel surreal in hindsight. Today, just before IPL 2026, we will try to mention five unusual opening pairs in IPL history which might leave you in shock.

1. Sachin Tendulkar & James Franklin (Mumbai Indians, 2011-12)

When you think of Sachin’s opening partners, you likely picture Sanath Jayasuriya, Ricky Ponting, or Rohit Sharma. However, for a significant period, the Mumbai Indians promoted New Zealand bowling all-rounder James Franklin to the top.

This was the ideal "pinch-hitter" move. Franklin’s power to clear the infield permitted Sachin to anchor the innings without pressure. Franklin opened in multiple games across two seasons for the Mumbai Indians, including the Champions League T20 2011, where he was a mainstay at the top for the title-winning side.

Sachin and Franklin opened together in 6 matches, scoring 171 runs at the top of the order for Mumbai in the IPL.

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2. Graeme Smith & Swapnil Asnodkar (Rajasthan Royals, 2008)

In the inaugural season, Shane Warne paired the towering South African captain with a small, unknown youngster from Goa, and that seemed to work very well for them.

It was the ultimate "Big Brother, Little Brother" dynamic. Smith delivered the solidity, while Asnodkar played with a "nothing-to-lose" courage and used the powerplay well.

Both batted together in 13 matches, scoring 446 runs with a highest partnership of 127.

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3. Chris Gayle & Cheteshwar Pujara (Royal Challengers Bangalore, 2013)

It sounds like a clash of two different eras of cricket. In 2013, Royal Challengers Bangalore paired the "Universe Boss", the most destructive T20 batter in history, with Cheteshwar Pujara India's modern-day Test aesthete.

While Gayle was busy smashing world records (including his 175*), Pujara was busy recreating "proper" cricket at the other end.

They were thought to be RCB's primary opening pair for a good portion of the 2013 season. While it delivered a stable platform, the pairing lacked the cataclysmic synergy usually associated with RCB's top order.

Gayle and Pujara opened for RCB in 5 matches in the IPL. The pair added 152 runs for them at the top of the order.

Read also: Every record India broke by winning the T20 World Cup 2026.

4. Adam Gilchrist & VVS Laxman (Deccan Chargers, 2008-2010)

Long before the Sunrisers existed, the Deccan Chargers tried to pair the most fierce wicketkeeper-batter in the world, Adam Gilchrist with the "Very Very Special" VVS Laxman.

This was an odd mix of heavy metal and classical music. Gilchrist liked to finish the game in the first six overs, while Laxman looked to find the gaps with his signature wristy grace.

Laxman was the captain in the early part of the 2008 season and opened the batting with Gilchrist for 9 matches till the end of the 2010 season. It remains one of the most aesthetically "confusing" but legendary opening pairs in IPL history.

They added 413 runs in 9 matches with one hundred and two fifty-plus partnerships.

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5. Mahela Jayawardene & Virender Sehwag (Delhi Daredevils 2012-2013)

The legendary duo of Virender Sehwag and Mahela Jayawardene shared some of the most iconic opening stands for the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) during the 2012 and 2013 IPL seasons.

Although they played in very contrasting styles to each other, they were quite successful as an opening pair. Sehwag went after the bowlers from the first ball while the Sri Lankan legend looked to anchor the innings and find the gaps.

The definite highlight of their time together as an opening pair was the 151-run partnership against the Mumbai Indians at the Feroz Shah Kotla in 2013.

In 12 matches as an opening pair, they added 437 runs with two 100+ partnerships at the top of the order.

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