IPL 2018: 5 teams with the best top-order batsmen

T20's evolution over the years has been a delight to watch with the teams adopting various approaches to win the contest. Most of the credit for the evolution in the shortest format of the game should go to the Indian Premier League which has helped players adapt to the constant changes in the game.

The evolution has branched to the introduction of makeshift openers such as Sunil Narine and David Willey being the prime examples. Exploitation of the power play has always been crucial to exert dominance over the opposition.

With the latest auction shuffling the teams up, the franchises will have to pick up their top order which will give them the best chance to provide good starts. Let's have a look at 5 teams having the best top order batsmen ahead of the upcoming tournament.

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#5 Mumbai Indians

The three-time IPL winners have struggled to maintain a stable opening pair over the years. Several players such as the likes of Aiden Blizzard, Richard Levi, Unmukt Chand have gone by the blink of an eye without creating any impact.

Skipper Rohit Sharma would be hoping to find a good opening pair to provide a platform for him and Kieron Pollard to exploit along with the lower-middle order.

Mumbai Indians managed to pick one of the leading batsmen in the T20 format in the form of Evin Lewis who would be hoping to make his first ever IPL a memorable one.

Apart from Lewis, the side opted to go for the former India U-19 captain Ishan Kishan for a hefty sum of INR 6 crores. With Rohit Sharma unlikely to open the innings the responsibility lies on the shoulders of the West Indian and the promising young Indian to steer their side towards a prospective fourth IPL crown.

#4 Rajasthan Royals

Rahane will lead the side in the absence of Steve Smith

Despite losing their only retained player Steve Smith, owing to unfortunate circumstances, the Royals have managed to pick a good crop of top-order batsman banking on youngsters and current form in the game.

Royals who are coming after a two-year layoff managed to pick their old talisman Ajinkya Rahane. To mix the calm temperament of Rahan the side acquired the services of Rahul Tripathi and D'Arcy Short.

Tripathi managed to impress one and all with his clean hitting for the Rising Pune Supergiant and was an instant pick at the auction. Whereas Short, who managed to steal the limelight with his jaw-dropping consistency, caught Royals' interest as well.

With the inclusion of hitters such as the likes of Klassen, Stokes, and Buttler down the order for the side. The Royals can prove to be a batting powerhouse if the openers find their rhythm.

#3 Kings XI Punjab

The duo would be hoping to bring their exploits in the BBL over to India

The IPL 2014 runners-up gave a major overhaul to their squad which included the acquisition of several top-quality batsmen to spearhead the opening for the side.

With an immensely talented line of openers in the line such as Aaron Finch, Chris Gayle, Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul. The Northern outfit are on the prowl to make a major statement after narrowingly missing out on a place in the playoffs last year.

Agarwal is coming off after one of the best purple patches witnessed in the domestic circuit. The opener amassed over 2000 runs and would be hoping to breakthrough into the Indian national squad with some notable knocks in the tournament. Despite well past his prime the legacy of Chris Gayle cannot just be ignored as the Jamaican can still prove to be a lethal batsman on his day.

To add to the list the side also possesses Marcus Stoinis and Karun Nair who can be injected into the top-order if required.

The influence of one of the most aggressive openers in the history of the game Virender Sehwag in the camp will prove beneficial. The bunch will certainly provide accelerated starts for the side this season to possibly lift their maiden IPL title.

#2 Delhi Daredevils

Gautam Gambhir is all set for a second stint with the Daredevils

The side's recent forged alliance with Australian legend Ricky Poting was evident in the auction as the only side who has never managed to qualify for an IPL final came out as one of the most satisfied teams with some evidently smart picks.

The franchise decided to go for experience at the top order instead of youth as they picked out Colin Munro and captain Gautam Gambhir in the bidding war.

Munro, being one of the leading batsmen in the shortest format of the game, had a stellar 2017 which prompted the Daredevils to go after him. To match Munro's crude hitting, Delhi opted to go for Gambhir after his previous side Kolkata Knight Riders surprisingly showed their uninterest for the opener.

To add to the fireworks the team secured a big money signing in the form of Glenn Maxwell, taking advantage of Kings XI Punjab's disinterest in the explosive player. With more options in the top order department in the form of retained stars such as Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer. Delhi Daredevils will be a force to reckon with in the tournament after making an eye-catching statement in the auctions.

#1 Royal Challengers Bangalore

The duo are favorites to open the innings for the side this season

The four-time IPL finalists have always had their top order to thank with their bowling attack not managing to live up to the expectations. However, with the top order unable to click during the previous season the fate seemed clear for the team as they finished at the bottom of the points table.

The Daniel Vettori-led coaching team had the primary agenda of strengthening the bowling attack. But managed to pick up some quality top order batsmen to bolster their already strong batting line up. The side managed to snap up Quinton De Kock, Brendon McCullum, Manan Vohra and Mandeep Singh who will blend well with the ever consistent Virat Kohli at the top of the order.

Despite losing out long-term opener Chris Gayle to Punjab, the franchise managed to pick out the perfect replacement in terms of hitting and experience by capturing Brendon McCullum for INR 3.6 Cr. Manan Vohra and Mandeep Singh have shown glimpses of real talent over the years and could prove vital with the tournament being spanning over 2 months.

With AB De Villiers and co. set in the middle order it is over, the top order to steer the side into a strong position.