The 13th season of the IPL is all set to take place in the United Arab Emirates between September 19 and November 10. And, just like every other season, anticipation and excitement and have started to galore among fans.

Fans, as well as pundits, have started to analyse the strength and weaknesses of the all the eight participating teams. One of the key aspects of a strong team is their opening combination. The role of the openers in T20 cricket is exceptionally vital as they set the pace for the remainder of the innings. Be it taking advantage of the fielding restrictions or batting through the innings, and the openers are of vital importance in T20 cricket.

There&#8217;s only a handful of days before the first game of the 2020 IPL gets underway and each side in the T20 championship is spoiled for choices as far as their opening combinations are concerned.

Here we rate the possible opening combinations of each team for the 2020 season of the IPL:

1. Delhi Capitals- Shikhar Dhawan &amp; Prithvi Shaw- 8/10

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-335311" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Delhi-Capitals-4.jpg" alt="Shikhar Dhawan" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-335311" class="wp-caption-text">Shikhar Dhawan. (Photo: IANS)</figcaption>

The Shreyas Iyer-led unit are spoiled for riches when it comes to their opening department as they have Shikhar Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw, Ajinkya Rahane and Marcus Stoinis in their ranks. Be it Indian or overseas, they have a variety to choose from. Thus, there could be various combinations that could be formed.

Shaw and Dhawan were one of the cornerstones of DC&#8217;s improved season last year. And, despite all the other options, it is almost certain that they will go with the tried and tested combination atleast at the start of the tournament.

The presence of three quality Indians and Marcus Stoinis, who performed phenomenally with the bat as an opener in the last BBL for the Melbourne Stars scoring an astonishing 147 not out, is a healthy sign for the Capitals.

2. Chennai Super Kings- Shane Watson &amp; Faf du Plessis- 9/10

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-242471" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Shane-Watson-1.jpg" alt="Shane Watson" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-242471" class="wp-caption-text">Shane Watson. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Shane Watson and Faf du Plessis will, in all likelihood, open the batting for Chennai Super Kings in the 2020 IPL season. CSK experimented with having Shane Watson and Ambati Rayudu as their opening pair in the league stage of the competition last season

However, they finally settled in on the experienced batting pair of Watson and Du Plessis, who both had decent success as a pair and individually as well.

If the pair does not perform up to expectations, CSK have enough backup options in the form of Ambati Rayudu, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Murali Vijay.

3. Kings XI Punjab- KL Rahul &amp; Chris Gayle- 8.5/10

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-328103" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Chris-Gayle-and-KL-Rahul.jpg" alt="Chris Gayle and KL Rahul" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-328103" class="wp-caption-text">Chris Gayle and KL Rahul. (Photo: Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption>

They may not have a slew of openers but Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) have three top-quality openers. They are all match-winners and form the top three for KXIP more often than not. KXIP have the likes of KL Rahul, Chris Gayle and Mayank Agarwal.

The Universe Boss, Chris Gayle, loves the T20 format and especially the IPL. The 2019 IPL season was proof that there is plenty of cricket left in Gayle. Tha Jamaican can clear the boundaries easily and is a nightmare for any bowler. If he gets his eye in, he can score big runs and win a game single-handedly.

Rahul is among the best T20 players in the world at the moment. He forms a great partnership with Gayle at the top and the latter has the ability to blast out and go hard at the bowling right from the start. The duo were in brilliant form in the last season, often giving their sides a platform to build their innings on. KXIP fans will hope they will continue in IPL 2020 as well.

4. Rajasthan Royals- Jos Buttler &amp; Robin Uthappa- 8.5/10

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-332364" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Jos-Buttler-shot.jpg" alt="Jos Buttler" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-332364" class="wp-caption-text">Jos Buttler. (Photo: Twitter)</figcaption>

In Jos Buttler, Rajasthan Royals have one of the leading white-ball batsmen in the world as one of their openers and his current exploits justify that. But the question is who will partner the swashbuckling Engish wicketkeeper-batsman at the top of the order?

In all likelihood, RR will look to open the innings with Buttler and the experienced Robin Uthappa. The latter struggled to get going in the previous two editions of the IPL. He will be hopeful that a change of franchise will lead to a change in fortunes in the 2020 IPL season.

In case of injuries or indifferent form of Uthappa, RR will look to rely on the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Manan Vohra or Sanju Samson to open the innings. Yashasvi Jaiswal is an exciting young prospect who has been in prolific form in U19 cricket. Sanju Samson is another option who has opened the batting in T20s.

Vohra did not feature in a single game in the previous edition of the IPL and played just four matches in 2018. He has been short of match practice in IPL and may find it challenging to get going immediately.

5. Kolkata Knight Riders- Shubman Gill &amp; Sunil Narine- 8/10

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-332066" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Shubman-Gill.jpg" alt="Shubman Gill" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-332066" class="wp-caption-text">Shubman Gill. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Chris Lynn was released by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/crictracker/photos/a.601832999847425/3864269020270457" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kolkata Knight Riders</a> ahead of the 2020 IPL auction, and their opening combination will be affected due to his absence. KKR have four options in Sunil Narine, Rahul Tripathi, Tom Banton, and Shubman Gill to open the batting for KKR.

Gill has been in fine form and will be one of the first names on the KKR team sheet as an opener. Banton is an exciting prospect at the top of the order but with Eoin Morgan, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, and Pat Cummins expected to be their first-choice overseas players, it is highly likely that Narine and Gill will be their opening pair, atleast at the start of the IPL.

Narine is in great form with the bat in the ongoing CPL, and he will once again be laden with the responsibility of getting KKR to a whirlwind start to their innings while Gill would look to play the sheet-anchor&#8217;s role. In case of injuries, the two-time champions also have Rahul Tripathi who is an attractive player at the top of the order.

6. Mumbai Indians- Rohit Sharma &amp; Quinton de Kock- 9/10

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-396545" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Quinton-de-Kock-3.jpg" alt="Quinton de Kock" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-396545" class="wp-caption-text">Quinton de Kock. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)</figcaption>

One of the reasons for the success of Mumbai Indians in the 2019 season was the form of their openers. Rohit Sharma and Quinton de Kock got MI to flying starts on most occasions, which set the reliable platform for the team.

MI acquired Chris Lynn in the 2020 IPL auction, and he too is a prolific opener but it is unlikely that the Australian swashbuckler will start as the first-choice opener. MI also have Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan in their camp and are spoiled for choices with the variety of openers they have.

In all likelihood, MI will look to continue with the same opening combination of skipper Rohit Sharma and South African Quinton de Kock.

7. Royal Challengers Bangalore- Aaron Finch &amp; Parthiv Patel- 8/10

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-334990" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Parthiv-Patel-1.jpg" alt="Parthiv Patel" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-334990" class="wp-caption-text">Parthiv Patel. (Photo: IANS)</figcaption>

Royal Challengers Bangalore have been over-reliant on Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers to get the big scores in the previous editions of the IPL. However, the lack of a specialist opening pair has often forced Kohli to open the batting for RCB, affecting their team combination

Virat is best suited to bat at number three in T20 cricket, followed by <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/faf-du-plessis-reveals-why-he-didnt-convince-ab-de-villiers-to-come-out-of-retirement/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AB de Villiers</a> at number four. The presence of Finch will ensure that RCB have a settled opening combination in the Australian captain and Parthiv Patel. The latter had a decent 2019 IPL campaign, opening the batting

The presence of Finch will firstly ensure that there is a left-hand, right-hand combination at the top of the order. Finch did not play in the 2019 season of IPL and did not have the best of times in the 2017 and 2018 IPL too. However, the Australian ODI and T20 skipper will look to get back to scoring ways in 2020 and make his presence felt.

However, Patel’s game outside the powerplay has been questioned. RCB have the likes of Devdutt Padikkal and Joshua Phillippe as back up openers in case the opening combination of Finch- Parthiv does not go as per expectations.

8. Sunrisers Hyderabad- David Warner &amp; Jonny Bairstow- 9.5/10

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-328389" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Jonny-Bairstow-celebration.jpg" alt="Jonny Bairstow" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-328389" class="wp-caption-text">Jonny Bairstow. (Photo: IANS)</figcaption>

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) seem to have the best opening pair in this season. There may not be a better opening pair than David Warner and Jonny Bairstow. Both Warner and Bairstow had a prolific run in the 2019 IPL season.

The Australian bull David Warner and England’s swashbuckler Jonny Bairstow were at the height of their powers as an opening pair in the last season of the IPL and dominated the bowling from the word go. They complement each other very well and put on big partnerships last year. In fact, their excellent partnerships at the top were attributed to SRH’s success.

Another thing that goes in favor of both Warner and Bairstow is that they will be coming off a good workout in the limited-overs series between Australia and England, which finishes just before the IPL, and one can expect them to once again rule the batting charts this season.

Meanwhile, SRH have enough quality backup as well. Kane Williamson can open the batting if needed while Wriddhiman Saha has also done a decent job whenever he’s got the opportunity.

~ Written by Kevin D&#8217;Costa

The 13th season of the IPL is all set to take place in the United Arab Emirates between September 19 and November 10. And, just like every other season, anticipation and excitement and have started to galore among fans.
Fans, as well as pundits, have started to analyse the strength and weaknesses of the all the eight participating teams. One of the key aspects of a strong team is their opening combination. The role of the openers in T20 cricket is exceptionally vital as they set the pace for the remainder of the innings. Be it taking advantage of the fielding restrictions or batting through the innings, and the openers are of vital importance in T20 cricket.
There’s only a handful of days before the first game of the 2020 IPL gets underway and each side in the T20 championship is spoiled for choices as far as their opening combinations are concerned.
<h3>Here we rate the possible opening combinations of each team for the 2020 season of the IPL:</h3>
<h3>1. Delhi Capitals- Shikhar Dhawan &amp; Prithvi Shaw- 8/10</h3>
<figure id="attachment_335311" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-335311" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-335311" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Delhi-Capitals-4.jpg" alt="Shikhar Dhawan" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-335311" class="wp-caption-text">Shikhar Dhawan. (Photo: IANS)</figcaption></figure>
The Shreyas Iyer-led unit are spoiled for riches when it comes to their opening department as they have Shikhar Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw, Ajinkya Rahane and Marcus Stoinis in their ranks. Be it Indian or overseas, they have a variety to choose from. Thus, there could be various combinations that could be formed.
Shaw and Dhawan were one of the cornerstones of DC’s improved season last year. And, despite all the other options, it is almost certain that they will go with the tried and tested combination atleast at the start of the tournament.
The presence of three quality Indians and Marcus Stoinis, who performed phenomenally with the bat as an opener in the last BBL for the Melbourne Stars scoring an astonishing 147 not out, is a healthy sign for the Capitals.

<h3>2. Chennai Super Kings- Shane Watson &amp; Faf du Plessis- 9/10</h3>
<figure id="attachment_242471" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-242471" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-242471" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Shane-Watson-1.jpg" alt="Shane Watson" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-242471" class="wp-caption-text">Shane Watson. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
Shane Watson and Faf du Plessis will, in all likelihood, open the batting for Chennai Super Kings in the 2020 IPL season. CSK experimented with having Shane Watson and Ambati Rayudu as their opening pair in the league stage of the competition last season
However, they finally settled in on the experienced batting pair of Watson and Du Plessis, who both had decent success as a pair and individually as well.
If the pair does not perform up to expectations, CSK have enough backup options in the form of Ambati Rayudu, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Murali Vijay.

<h3>3. Kings XI Punjab- KL Rahul &amp; Chris Gayle- 8.5/10</h3>
<figure id="attachment_328103" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-328103" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-328103" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Chris-Gayle-and-KL-Rahul.jpg" alt="Chris Gayle and KL Rahul" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-328103" class="wp-caption-text">Chris Gayle and KL Rahul. (Photo: Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
They may not have a slew of openers but Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) have three top-quality openers. They are all match-winners and form the top three for KXIP more often than not. KXIP have the likes of KL Rahul, Chris Gayle and Mayank Agarwal.
The Universe Boss, Chris Gayle, loves the T20 format and especially the IPL. The 2019 IPL season was proof that there is plenty of cricket left in Gayle. Tha Jamaican can clear the boundaries easily and is a nightmare for any bowler. If he gets his eye in, he can score big runs and win a game single-handedly.
Rahul is among the best T20 players in the world at the moment. He forms a great partnership with Gayle at the top and the latter has the ability to blast out and go hard at the bowling right from the start. The duo were in brilliant form in the last season, often giving their sides a platform to build their innings on. KXIP fans will hope they will continue in IPL 2020 as well.

<h3>4. Rajasthan Royals- Jos Buttler &amp; Robin Uthappa- 8.5/10</h3>
<figure id="attachment_332364" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-332364" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-332364" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Jos-Buttler-shot.jpg" alt="Jos Buttler" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-332364" class="wp-caption-text">Jos Buttler. (Photo: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
In Jos Buttler, Rajasthan Royals have one of the leading white-ball batsmen in the world as one of their openers and his current exploits justify that. But the question is who will partner the swashbuckling Engish wicketkeeper-batsman at the top of the order?
In all likelihood, RR will look to open the innings with Buttler and the experienced Robin Uthappa. The latter struggled to get going in the previous two editions of the IPL. He will be hopeful that a change of franchise will lead to a change in fortunes in the 2020 IPL season.
In case of injuries or indifferent form of Uthappa, RR will look to rely on the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Manan Vohra or Sanju Samson to open the innings. Yashasvi Jaiswal is an exciting young prospect who has been in prolific form in U19 cricket. Sanju Samson is another option who has opened the batting in T20s.
Vohra did not feature in a single game in the previous edition of the IPL and played just four matches in 2018. He has been short of match practice in IPL and may find it challenging to get going immediately.

<h3>5. Kolkata Knight Riders- Shubman Gill &amp; Sunil Narine- 8/10</h3>
<figure id="attachment_332066" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-332066" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-332066" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Shubman-Gill.jpg" alt="Shubman Gill" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-332066" class="wp-caption-text">Shubman Gill. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
Chris Lynn was released by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/crictracker/photos/a.601832999847425/3864269020270457" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kolkata Knight Riders</a> ahead of the 2020 IPL auction, and their opening combination will be affected due to his absence. KKR have four options in Sunil Narine, Rahul Tripathi, Tom Banton, and Shubman Gill to open the batting for KKR.
Gill has been in fine form and will be one of the first names on the KKR team sheet as an opener. Banton is an exciting prospect at the top of the order but with Eoin Morgan, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, and Pat Cummins expected to be their first-choice overseas players, it is highly likely that Narine and Gill will be their opening pair, atleast at the start of the IPL.
Narine is in great form with the bat in the ongoing CPL, and he will once again be laden with the responsibility of getting KKR to a whirlwind start to their innings while Gill would look to play the sheet-anchor’s role. In case of injuries, the two-time champions also have Rahul Tripathi who is an attractive player at the top of the order.

<h3>6. Mumbai Indians- Rohit Sharma &amp; Quinton de Kock- 9/10</h3>
<figure id="attachment_396545" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-396545" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-396545" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Quinton-de-Kock-3.jpg" alt="Quinton de Kock" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-396545" class="wp-caption-text">Quinton de Kock. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
One of the reasons for the success of Mumbai Indians in the 2019 season was the form of their openers. Rohit Sharma and Quinton de Kock got MI to flying starts on most occasions, which set the reliable platform for the team.
MI acquired Chris Lynn in the 2020 IPL auction, and he too is a prolific opener but it is unlikely that the Australian swashbuckler will start as the first-choice opener. MI also have Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan in their camp and are spoiled for choices with the variety of openers they have.
In all likelihood, MI will look to continue with the same opening combination of skipper Rohit Sharma and South African Quinton de Kock.

<h3>7. Royal Challengers Bangalore- Aaron Finch &amp; Parthiv Patel- 8/10</h3>
<figure id="attachment_334990" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-334990" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-334990" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Parthiv-Patel-1.jpg" alt="Parthiv Patel" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-334990" class="wp-caption-text">Parthiv Patel. (Photo: IANS)</figcaption></figure>
Royal Challengers Bangalore have been over-reliant on Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers to get the big scores in the previous editions of the IPL. However, the lack of a specialist opening pair has often forced Kohli to open the batting for RCB, affecting their team combination
Virat is best suited to bat at number three in T20 cricket, followed by <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/faf-du-plessis-reveals-why-he-didnt-convince-ab-de-villiers-to-come-out-of-retirement/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AB de Villiers</a> at number four. The presence of Finch will ensure that RCB have a settled opening combination in the Australian captain and Parthiv Patel. The latter had a decent 2019 IPL campaign, opening the batting
The presence of Finch will firstly ensure that there is a left-hand, right-hand combination at the top of the order. Finch did not play in the 2019 season of IPL and did not have the best of times in the 2017 and 2018 IPL too. However, the Australian ODI and T20 skipper will look to get back to scoring ways in 2020 and make his presence felt.
However, Patel’s game outside the powerplay has been questioned. RCB have the likes of Devdutt Padikkal and Joshua Phillippe as back up openers in case the opening combination of Finch- Parthiv does not go as per expectations.

<h3>8. Sunrisers Hyderabad- David Warner &amp; Jonny Bairstow- 9.5/10</h3>
<figure id="attachment_328389" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-328389" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-328389" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Jonny-Bairstow-celebration.jpg" alt="Jonny Bairstow" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-328389" class="wp-caption-text">Jonny Bairstow. (Photo: IANS)</figcaption></figure>
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) seem to have the best opening pair in this season. There may not be a better opening pair than David Warner and Jonny Bairstow. Both Warner and Bairstow had a prolific run in the 2019 IPL season.
The Australian bull David Warner and England’s swashbuckler Jonny Bairstow were at the height of their powers as an opening pair in the last season of the IPL and dominated the bowling from the word go. They complement each other very well and put on big partnerships last year. In fact, their excellent partnerships at the top were attributed to SRH’s success.
Another thing that goes in favor of both Warner and Bairstow is that they will be coming off a good workout in the limited-overs series between Australia and England, which finishes just before the IPL, and one can expect them to once again rule the batting charts this season.
Meanwhile, SRH have enough quality backup as well. Kane Williamson can open the batting if needed while Wriddhiman Saha has also done a decent job whenever he’s got the opportunity.
~ Written by Kevin D’Costa

The 13th season of the IPL is all set to take place in the United Arab Emirates between September 19 and November 10. And, just like every other season, anticipation and excitement and have started to galore among fans.
Fans, as well as pundits, have started to analyse the strength and weaknesses of the all the eight participating teams. One of the key aspects of a strong team is their opening combination. The role of the openers in T20 cricket is exceptionally vital as they set the pace for the remainder of the innings. Be it taking advantage of the fielding restrictions or batting through the innings, and the openers are of vital importance in T20 cricket.
There&#8217;s only a handful of days before the first game of the 2020 IPL gets underway and each side in the T20 championship is spoiled for choices as far as their opening combinations are concerned.
<h3>Here we rate the possible opening combinations of each team for the 2020 season of the IPL:</h3>
<h3>1. Delhi Capitals- Shikhar Dhawan &amp; Prithvi Shaw- 8/10</h3>
<figure id="attachment_335311" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-335311" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-335311" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Delhi-Capitals-4.jpg" alt="Shikhar Dhawan" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-335311" class="wp-caption-text">Shikhar Dhawan. (Photo: IANS)</figcaption></figure>
The Shreyas Iyer-led unit are spoiled for riches when it comes to their opening department as they have Shikhar Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw, Ajinkya Rahane and Marcus Stoinis in their ranks. Be it Indian or overseas, they have a variety to choose from. Thus, there could be various combinations that could be formed.
Shaw and Dhawan were one of the cornerstones of DC&#8217;s improved season last year. And, despite all the other options, it is almost certain that they will go with the tried and tested combination atleast at the start of the tournament.
The presence of three quality Indians and Marcus Stoinis, who performed phenomenally with the bat as an opener in the last BBL for the Melbourne Stars scoring an astonishing 147 not out, is a healthy sign for the Capitals.

<h3>2. Chennai Super Kings- Shane Watson &amp; Faf du Plessis- 9/10</h3>
<figure id="attachment_242471" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-242471" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-242471" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Shane-Watson-1.jpg" alt="Shane Watson" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-242471" class="wp-caption-text">Shane Watson. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
Shane Watson and Faf du Plessis will, in all likelihood, open the batting for Chennai Super Kings in the 2020 IPL season. CSK experimented with having Shane Watson and Ambati Rayudu as their opening pair in the league stage of the competition last season
However, they finally settled in on the experienced batting pair of Watson and Du Plessis, who both had decent success as a pair and individually as well.
If the pair does not perform up to expectations, CSK have enough backup options in the form of Ambati Rayudu, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Murali Vijay.

<h3>3. Kings XI Punjab- KL Rahul &amp; Chris Gayle- 8.5/10</h3>
<figure id="attachment_328103" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-328103" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-328103" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Chris-Gayle-and-KL-Rahul.jpg" alt="Chris Gayle and KL Rahul" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-328103" class="wp-caption-text">Chris Gayle and KL Rahul. (Photo: Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
They may not have a slew of openers but Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) have three top-quality openers. They are all match-winners and form the top three for KXIP more often than not. KXIP have the likes of KL Rahul, Chris Gayle and Mayank Agarwal.
The Universe Boss, Chris Gayle, loves the T20 format and especially the IPL. The 2019 IPL season was proof that there is plenty of cricket left in Gayle. Tha Jamaican can clear the boundaries easily and is a nightmare for any bowler. If he gets his eye in, he can score big runs and win a game single-handedly.
Rahul is among the best T20 players in the world at the moment. He forms a great partnership with Gayle at the top and the latter has the ability to blast out and go hard at the bowling right from the start. The duo were in brilliant form in the last season, often giving their sides a platform to build their innings on. KXIP fans will hope they will continue in IPL 2020 as well.

<h3>4. Rajasthan Royals- Jos Buttler &amp; Robin Uthappa- 8.5/10</h3>
<figure id="attachment_332364" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-332364" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-332364" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Jos-Buttler-shot.jpg" alt="Jos Buttler" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-332364" class="wp-caption-text">Jos Buttler. (Photo: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
In Jos Buttler, Rajasthan Royals have one of the leading white-ball batsmen in the world as one of their openers and his current exploits justify that. But the question is who will partner the swashbuckling Engish wicketkeeper-batsman at the top of the order?
In all likelihood, RR will look to open the innings with Buttler and the experienced Robin Uthappa. The latter struggled to get going in the previous two editions of the IPL. He will be hopeful that a change of franchise will lead to a change in fortunes in the 2020 IPL season.
In case of injuries or indifferent form of Uthappa, RR will look to rely on the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Manan Vohra or Sanju Samson to open the innings. Yashasvi Jaiswal is an exciting young prospect who has been in prolific form in U19 cricket. Sanju Samson is another option who has opened the batting in T20s.
Vohra did not feature in a single game in the previous edition of the IPL and played just four matches in 2018. He has been short of match practice in IPL and may find it challenging to get going immediately.

<h3>5. Kolkata Knight Riders- Shubman Gill &amp; Sunil Narine- 8/10</h3>
<figure id="attachment_332066" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-332066" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-332066" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Shubman-Gill.jpg" alt="Shubman Gill" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-332066" class="wp-caption-text">Shubman Gill. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
Chris Lynn was released by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/crictracker/photos/a.601832999847425/3864269020270457" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kolkata Knight Riders</a> ahead of the 2020 IPL auction, and their opening combination will be affected due to his absence. KKR have four options in Sunil Narine, Rahul Tripathi, Tom Banton, and Shubman Gill to open the batting for KKR.
Gill has been in fine form and will be one of the first names on the KKR team sheet as an opener. Banton is an exciting prospect at the top of the order but with Eoin Morgan, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, and Pat Cummins expected to be their first-choice overseas players, it is highly likely that Narine and Gill will be their opening pair, atleast at the start of the IPL.
Narine is in great form with the bat in the ongoing CPL, and he will once again be laden with the responsibility of getting KKR to a whirlwind start to their innings while Gill would look to play the sheet-anchor&#8217;s role. In case of injuries, the two-time champions also have Rahul Tripathi who is an attractive player at the top of the order.

<h3>6. Mumbai Indians- Rohit Sharma &amp; Quinton de Kock- 9/10</h3>
<figure id="attachment_396545" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-396545" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-396545" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Quinton-de-Kock-3.jpg" alt="Quinton de Kock" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-396545" class="wp-caption-text">Quinton de Kock. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
One of the reasons for the success of Mumbai Indians in the 2019 season was the form of their openers. Rohit Sharma and Quinton de Kock got MI to flying starts on most occasions, which set the reliable platform for the team.
MI acquired Chris Lynn in the 2020 IPL auction, and he too is a prolific opener but it is unlikely that the Australian swashbuckler will start as the first-choice opener. MI also have Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan in their camp and are spoiled for choices with the variety of openers they have.
In all likelihood, MI will look to continue with the same opening combination of skipper Rohit Sharma and South African Quinton de Kock.

<h3>7. Royal Challengers Bangalore- Aaron Finch &amp; Parthiv Patel- 8/10</h3>
<figure id="attachment_334990" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-334990" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-334990" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Parthiv-Patel-1.jpg" alt="Parthiv Patel" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-334990" class="wp-caption-text">Parthiv Patel. (Photo: IANS)</figcaption></figure>
Royal Challengers Bangalore have been over-reliant on Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers to get the big scores in the previous editions of the IPL. However, the lack of a specialist opening pair has often forced Kohli to open the batting for RCB, affecting their team combination
Virat is best suited to bat at number three in T20 cricket, followed by <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/faf-du-plessis-reveals-why-he-didnt-convince-ab-de-villiers-to-come-out-of-retirement/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AB de Villiers</a> at number four. The presence of Finch will ensure that RCB have a settled opening combination in the Australian captain and Parthiv Patel. The latter had a decent 2019 IPL campaign, opening the batting
The presence of Finch will firstly ensure that there is a left-hand, right-hand combination at the top of the order. Finch did not play in the 2019 season of IPL and did not have the best of times in the 2017 and 2018 IPL too. However, the Australian ODI and T20 skipper will look to get back to scoring ways in 2020 and make his presence felt.
However, Patel’s game outside the powerplay has been questioned. RCB have the likes of Devdutt Padikkal and Joshua Phillippe as back up openers in case the opening combination of Finch- Parthiv does not go as per expectations.

<h3>8. Sunrisers Hyderabad- David Warner &amp; Jonny Bairstow- 9.5/10</h3>
<figure id="attachment_328389" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-328389" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-328389" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Jonny-Bairstow-celebration.jpg" alt="Jonny Bairstow" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-328389" class="wp-caption-text">Jonny Bairstow. (Photo: IANS)</figcaption></figure>
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) seem to have the best opening pair in this season. There may not be a better opening pair than David Warner and Jonny Bairstow. Both Warner and Bairstow had a prolific run in the 2019 IPL season.
The Australian bull David Warner and England’s swashbuckler Jonny Bairstow were at the height of their powers as an opening pair in the last season of the IPL and dominated the bowling from the word go. They complement each other very well and put on big partnerships last year. In fact, their excellent partnerships at the top were attributed to SRH’s success.
Another thing that goes in favor of both Warner and Bairstow is that they will be coming off a good workout in the limited-overs series between Australia and England, which finishes just before the IPL, and one can expect them to once again rule the batting charts this season.
Meanwhile, SRH have enough quality backup as well. Kane Williamson can open the batting if needed while Wriddhiman Saha has also done a decent job whenever he’s got the opportunity.
~ Written by Kevin D&#8217;Costa

The openers will play key role for the teams in taking advantage of the mandatory field restrictions.

IPL 2020: Rating the probable opening pairs of all 8 teams

The 13th season of the IPL is all set to take place in the United Arab Emirates between September 19-November 10. And, just like every other