IPL 2018: 5 best pairs who might deliver this time as well

The Indian Premier League is only a few days away. The Mumbai Indians are slated to take on the Chennai Super Kings in the first match of the tournament. The first decade of the IPL witnessed some memorable moments which will be etched in the heart of every IPL fan. A lot of players have left their mark on the league.

Six teams have managed to capture the title in ten editions with the help of some match winners. There have been players who have played phenomenally to get their team over the line on multiple occasions. Amidst all the firepower, there have been a few who have hunted in pairs. On this note, let us take a look at five best pairs of the IPL who are in the same franchise and can still deliver their best performances.

---

#5 Rohit Sharma and Kieron Pollard

The Mumbai Indians have been successful in the first decade of the league and they owe a big part of there success to this pair. Mumbaikar Rohit Sharma and Trinidadian all-rounder Kieron Pollard have helped their side in numerous matches.

The pair has added 1265 runs at an average of 38 in the IPL. They have featured in ten fifty-plus partnerships resulting in eight wins for Mumbai. The duo also holds the record for the most runs for the fourth wicket(overall).

In the 2017 edition of the IPL, they rescued their side from a terrible position against the Gujarat Lions. The Mumbai Indians were struggling at 92 for 3 before the two added 68 runs together to help their side to win the match chasing 178.

#4 Sunil Narine and Piyush Chawla

The spin twins of the Kolkata Knight Riders, Sunil Narine and Piyush Chawla have played an integral role in the team's success over the years. The duo has played in 36 games together in which they have scalped 75 wickets.

Out of these 36 matches, the Knight Riders won 24 games. These two take charge of the middle overs for their side. They have picked up 27 wickets while bowling in tandem. Narine usually creates pressure on the opposition, whereas Chawla chips in with the wickets.

The spin twins were instrumental in KKR's title run in 2014. They rattled 35 batsmen in the 2014 edition of the tournament. Both of them are still a part of the franchise and the KKR fans will hope that the duo will be able to recreate their magic.

#3 Shikhar Dhawan and David Warner

The most successful opening pair in the history of the IPL. Shikhar Dhawan and David Warner have been together since 2015 when Warner joined the Hyderabad based franchise. The SRH openers have added 2220 runs while opening for their side.

Their tally of runs includes 20 fifty-plus partnerships. One of the two ensures that they play the anchor's role, while the other one takes on the bowling. Since 2015, the two southpaws have come together to be the most successful opening pair in the last three editions.

Dhawan and Warner will look to replicate their success in the upcoming edition of the IPL to lead their side to glory.

#2 MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina

The most renowned pair in the history of the IPL. Chennai Super Kings skipper MS Dhoni and southpaw Suresh Raina have combined to form one of the most lethal pairs in the league. Their on-field understanding is wonderful. The duo were together for the first eight editions of the league.

CSK's suspension forced them to part ways, but with the comeback of the yellow brigade, the pair will look to reunite. In 43 innings together they have added 1159 runs with a strike rate of 142. This includes nine fifty-plus partnerships resulting in eight wins.

Their most famous partnership came against the Mumbai Indians in the 2010 final where they added 72 runs to help their team clinch their maiden IPL title. The Chennai fans will be excited to have them back in their ranks for the upcoming edition of the IPL.

#1 Virat Kohli and AB De Villiers

Good friends off the field and a deadly pair on it. Virat Kohli and AB De Villiers are two modern day greats. It is a pleasure to watch them bat together. In 2016, Kohli and De Villiers added 229 runs against Gujarat Lions which is the highest T20 partnership ever. The two are best known for their understanding and running between the wickets.

The pair has added 2312 runs in 53 innings at an average of 44.2 while batting together. The two are a threat to any team's chances to win the game. Their partnership strike rate is an added advantage to their average. The two strike at 164.7 per 100 balls while batting together.

Despite some big names in the past the Royal Challengers Bangalore have failed to win the tournament even once. The fans will be hoping that the duo will light up the tournament with their exuberant display as both De Villiers and Kohli will have a major say in RCB's chances in the eleventh edition of the tournament.