Top 5 most partnership runs for India in Asia Cup (ODI + T20 Format)

Explore the top Indian batting partnerships in Asia Cup history across ODIs and T20s. From Dhawan–Rohit to Dhoni–Raina, here’s a look at India’s most prolific duos.

KL Rahul and Virat Kohli (Image Credit: ICC)

The Asia Cup has been a stage where India’s batting giants have written unforgettable stories. Whether in the 50-over format or the T20 version, Indian batters have often combined to put up partnerships that broke the backbone of opposition attacks. These stands were not just about runs; they were about dominance, resilience, and the unique chemistry between some of India’s most iconic batting pairs.

Over the years, from the golden era of Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly to the modern brilliance of Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, Indian cricket has seen legendary duos light up the Asia Cup. Here’s a look at the five most prolific partnerships for India in the tournament’s history.

1. Shikhar Dhawan & Rohit Sharma – 603 Runs (13 Innings)

No duo symbolizes India’s modern ODI dominance better than Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan. Together, they scored 603 runs in 13 innings at the Asia Cup, often providing India with explosive starts in the powerplay. Their left-right combination disrupted the bowlers' rhythm, with Dhawan’s aggression balancing Rohit’s timing and calculated strokeplay.

Some of their most memorable knocks came in the 2018 Asia Cup, where their partnerships laid the foundation for India’s title-winning campaign. They complemented each other brilliantly, with Dhawan taking on the spinners while Rohit punished the pacers once set. This consistency at the top made them India’s most successful pair in Asia Cup history.

2. Sourav Ganguly & Sachin Tendulkar – 500 Runs (10 Innings)

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar were India’s batting superstars. Across 10 Asia Cup innings, they combined for 500 runs, showcasing elegance, aggression, and unmatched consistency. Their opening stands often ensured India dictated terms right from the start.

Their partnership was about more than just runs, it was about two contrasting yet complementary styles. Tendulkar’s precision and timing merged with Ganguly’s fearless off-side play to dismantle bowling attacks. Together, they became one of the most iconic opening pairs not just in Asia Cup history, but in world cricket.

3. Gautam Gambhir & Virender Sehwag – 439 Runs (7 Innings)

Few partnerships were as entertaining as Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag at the top of the order. In just seven innings, they piled up 439 runs, combining Gambhir’s calculated strokeplay with Sehwag’s explosive aggression.

This pair often took the attack to the opposition from ball one. Sehwag’s fearless boundary-hitting unsettled bowlers, while Gambhir ensured stability at the other end. Their chemistry gave India quickfire starts, particularly in pressure games, and their ability to complement each other made them one of the most exciting duos in Asia Cup history.

4. Virat Kohli & KL Rahul – 416 Runs (4 Innings)

Although they have batted together fewer times, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul’s partnership stats in the Asia Cup are staggering, 416 runs in just 4 innings. Their stands have been about class, patience, and the ability to accelerate when needed.

What sets them apart is their adaptability. Whether chasing tricky totals or setting up big scores, Kohli’s consistency paired with Rahul’s versatility created game-winning partnerships. Their 233-run stand against Pakistan in the 2023 Asia Cup was one of the finest batting exhibitions in the tournament’s history, underlining their impact despite limited opportunities together.

5. MS Dhoni & Suresh Raina – 384 Runs (7 Innings)

The Dhoni-Raina partnership was built on trust and understanding. In 7 innings, they scored 384 runs for India in Asia Cup matches, often rescuing the side in middle-order situations. Their ability to rotate strike and accelerate towards the death overs made them one of India’s most dependable pairs.

Raina’s attacking flair matched perfectly with Dhoni’s calm finishing skills. Together, they ensured India maintained momentum in the middle overs before launching an all-out assault in the slog overs. Their partnerships were crucial in turning tight matches in India’s favor, making them a vital duo in Asia Cup history.

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