IPL 2018: Top 3 explosive opening batting combinations

The 11th edition of IPL is just around the corner and the buzz is increasing by the day. The opening stand often sets the tone for the game and defines the total that a team can achieve. The openers bat in the power play, the time when only 2 fielders are allowed to stand outside the 30-yard circle. A lot of the international and franchise teams opt for an explosive opening combination, who can go after the bowling from ball one.

Here are the three opening duos who could set the IPL on fire.

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#3 Ishan Kishan and Evin Lewis (Mumbai Indians)

Ishan Kishan is a talented player

Ishan Kishan is one of the best players in the domestic circuit. He is a keeper-batsman and plays for Jharkhand. He played for the Gujarat Lions in 2016 and 2017. The former India Under-19 captain received a fat paycheck of Rs. 6.2 crore in the IPL auctions this year. He has been in red hot form off late and has been churning out the runs for Jharkhand in the domestic circuit this season. He scored an unbeaten 124 in 49 balls in the 'Horn Not Ok Please' T20 Cup.

Evin Lewis is one of the most destructive batsmen in the shortest format of the game. The southpaw has been touted as the next Chris Gayle. The Trinidadian was bought for Rs. 3.8 crore and it could be termed as a bargain, considering his recent form and big hitting abilities. He has scored 2 centuries against India in the shortest format of the game. He is tailor-made for the T20 format and has a strike rate of 146.

Considering the Wankhede Stadium's dimensions it is likely that these two will provide a lot of entertainment and give some explosive starts to the home team.

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#2 KL Rahul and Aaron (Kings XI Punjab)

KL Rahul is a prolific run scorer

KL Rahul is one of the best batsmen in India at present and relies a lot on his timing. The wicket-keeper had previously played for RCB and SRH but it was only in 2016 that he established himself as a limited over batsman. He scored 56 runs of 31 balls in the 'Horn Not Ok Please' T20 Cup. He has a strike rate of 147 in the T20Is.

Aaron Finch is one of the best openers in the world and has the ability to hit sixes with ease, with even his mistimed shots going for sixes on a lot of occasions. The Australian has played for 6 teams and KXIP will be his 7th team in the IPL. He has the highest score in a T20I match - an innings of 156 against England. He has a strike rate of 139 in the T20 format.

Both these batsmen have the ability to play on any kind of pitch and will be destructive if they get going.

#1 Quinton De Kock and Brendon McCullum (Royal Challengers Bangalore)

Quinton de Kock can be dangerous at the top

Quinton de Kock is one of the best keeper-batsmen in the world. The South African has previously played for the Delhi Daredevils and the Sunrisers Hyderabad. The Royal Challengers Bangalore bought him for Rs. 2.8 crore, which is a huge value pick. He has been a consistent performer for South Africa and his strike rate of 135 is fabulous in the T20 format.

Brendon McCullum is one of the most explosive batsmen to have graced the game. He is the 2nd highest run scorer in the history of T20s. The Kiwi batsman has played for 4 IPL teams and RCB will be his 5th team. He was bought for Rs. 3.6 crore and it was one of the best bargains in the IPL auction this year. His strike-rate of 138 is phenomenal in the T20 format.

Both these players will play seven of their matches at the Chinnaswamy stadium where the boundaries are quite small. The fans can expect fireworks from both these batsmen.