The Indian Premier League (IPL) has seen some incredible inauguration batsmen thrilling fans with Center and their consistent performance. The opening in a format of the game is a very important aspect. If the inaugural batsmen can set a solid platform at the top, it makes the work of middle-order batsmen and pinch-hearters very easy.
Over the years, the Cash-Rich League has seen several formidable inauguration pairs, who have made wholesale for their team. In IPL 2024, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) played the finals with the former emerging victorious. One thing was common in both teams which was dominated by their early batsmen.
Since the 18th edition of the IPL is slowly moving towards half the path, the Cricketer dug up and takes a look at the top five opening batsmen in the league history.
Top 5 inaugurated batsman in IPL history:
5. Shikhar Dhawan
Shikhar Dhawan Started his IPL career at Delhi Capital in 2008. He went to play for Mumbai Indians and Deccan Chargers in the following years. However, his best year came when he was part of Sunrisers Hyderabad from 2013 to 2018. He opened batting with David Warner and two left -handed batsmen were treated to see for cricket efficiency.
After being released by the Orange Army before the IPL 2019, Dhawan returned to Delhi's capitals and spent three seasons in the franchise. He eventually retired after leading the Punjab Kings in IPL 2024. The Delhi batsman ended with 6,362 runs, the highest by a opener in the league. He took an average of 35.54 and had a strike rate of 128.11 after playing 202 innings as a opener. Dhawan holds records to kill the highest number of (768) in the League. He has 47 fifty and two tonnes in his IPL career.
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