Throughout his illustrious Indian Premier League (IPL) career with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Virat Kohli has opened the batting with several partners. Here’s a comprehensive list of his opening partners over the years:
- Phil Salt: In the 2025 season, English wicketkeeper-batsman Phil Salt is set to open alongside Kohli.
- Faf du Plessis: The South African cricketer partnered with Kohli in the 2023 season, notably achieving a 172-run opening stand against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
- Devdutt Padikkal: The young Indian left-hander opened with Kohli in the 2021 season, with their most remarkable partnership being an unbroken 181-run stand against Rajasthan Royals.
- Aaron Finch: The Australian limited-overs captain shared opening duties with Kohli during the 2020 season.
- Parthiv Patel: The experienced Indian wicketkeeper-batsman was Kohli’s opening partner in the 2019 season.
- Quinton de Kock: The South African wicketkeeper-batsman opened with Kohli in the 2018 season.
- Chris Gayle: Between 2011 and 2017, the explosive West Indian batsman frequently opened with Kohli, forming one of the most formidable opening pairs in IPL history. Their highest partnership was an unbeaten 204-run stand against Delhi Daredevils in 2012.
- Tillakaratne Dilshan: The Sri Lankan opener partnered with Kohli during the 2011 and 2012 seasons.
- Jacques Kallis: The South African all-rounder shared opening responsibilities with Kohli in the 2009 and 2010 seasons.
- Manish Pandey: The Indian batsman opened with Kohli in the 2009 season.
- Rahul Dravid: In the inaugural 2008 season, the legendary Indian batsman was among Kohli’s opening partners.
These partnerships highlight Kohli’s adaptability and the dynamic combinations RCB has employed over the years to maximize their batting strength.
