IPL 2023: Team-wise opening combination for 16th edition

Now that the eagerly anticipated IPL auction is finally over, everyone’s attention will turn towards the possible playing XIs of all the ten franchises. Quite naturally, opening combinations would be the first thing on everyone’s minds because they form the base of a team’s success and include some of the league’s biggest names. 

A good opening combination not only has the role of laying down a good platform and providing a wicketless start, but its role is growing rapidly with the game evolving constantly. Playing aggressive cricket while not fearing the loss of an early wicket is also an effective way of finding success, and one with more supporters as compared to the traditional approach. 

There are multiple ways for an opening combination to be successful, and all those methods can be seen on display byall  the ten teams. On that note, let’s take a look at the potential opening combinations for each team ahead of the next season. 

1. Chennai Super Kings - Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway

By the time Chennai Super Kings (CSK) found their perfect opening pair in the last edition, their season was pretty much done and dusted given their poor start. But it did relieve them of the opening combination headache for the coming seasons.

Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway had a curious case with their partnerships as they either went big or went home early. They had three partnerships over 50, two of them being 100-run stands and hence created a lot of impact up front.

 However, one can expect more consistency from the duo this season as it’ll be more used to batting with each other. Both are similar in approach and usually start cautiously before upping the ante at the backend of the powerplay.

Teams are always searching for left-right opening combinations because it puts off opposition captains and makes it difficult for them to introduce a bowler who would be an unfavourable match-up for both the batters. And CSK  are blessed with that in their ranks. 

Both are excellent against spin, while Conway is the better player of pace and can be expected to play the higher percentage of deliveries in the first couple of overs while Gaikwad settles in. On most days, one can expect a steady and wicketless stand in the powerplay from these two.