With the schedule of the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) announced, the buzz around the Indian T20 league is back. There are about less than six more weeks before the first game of the 2020 season of the IPL is underway. And once again, we may be in for a roller-coaster tournament where we could see some big-hitting and high scores as well.

The base of these high scores are usually the openers as they play an integral part most of the times. They play a huge role in setting up the game and innings for a particular team. The opening pair is the one that sets the tone more often than not. Most teams have destructive openers for the upcoming season.

Thus, here we rate opening combinations of each team for the 2020 season of the IPL:

1. Delhi Capitals (DC) – 8/10

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-340204" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Prithvi-Shaw.jpg" alt="Prithvi Shaw" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-340204" class="wp-caption-text">Prithvi Shaw. (Photo: Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption>

Delhi Capitals (DC) have a lot of openers at their disposal. Be it Indian or overseas, they have a variety to choose from. Thus, there could be various combinations that could be formed.

They already had the likes of Shikhar Dhawan and <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/new-zealand-vs-india-daryl-mitchell-rips-prithvi-shaws-poles-apart/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Prithvi Shaw</a>. Ajinkya Rahane was roped in through trade while Jason Roy, Alex Carey and Marcus Stoinis were bought in the auction. While the latter two can bat in the middle order as well, they are a lot more effective at the top and they’ve shown that as well.

Hence, Delhi have as many as six frontline openers to choose from. However, they might go in with the all-Indian option with Dhawan opening with either Rahane or Shaw. It might be the latter with Rahane coming in at No.3 as Roy might be shuffled to test at different situations. But with Roy missing most of the games due to the packed Indian top order, Delhi Capitals lack an enforcer or a game-changer at the top and hence, their opening combination gets 8/10.

2. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – 8/10

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-246517" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Shane-Watson-3.jpg" alt="Shane Watson" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-246517" class="wp-caption-text">Shane Watson of Chennai Super Kings. (Photo by IANS)</figcaption>

If there is one team that hates chopping and changing, then it is Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The three-time IPL champions love backing their tried and tested formula in almost every department. There are changes throughout the season but not big ones unless there are some injuries. The same is the case with the top order as well.

There’s little doubt that CSK will change their opening combination this time around. Shane Watson is expected to walk out to bat with <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/3-players-who-can-replace-faf-du-plessis-as-south-africas-test-skipper/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Faf du Plessis</a>. They have had decent success as a pair and individually as well. If CSK need to play an overseas bowler or an all-rounder, the latter is usually the one who is benched and it’s Ambati Rayudu who moves to the top.

But all three of them aren’t in the greatest of forms. Watson hasn’t played a lot in the recent past while Rayudu last played a competitive game in November 2019. Du Plessis has blown hot and cold with his form. CSK have some decent backups in Murali Vijay, Ruturaj Gaikwad and N Jagadeesan.

3. Rajasthan Royals (RR) – 8.5/10

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-326433" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Jos-Buttler.jpg" alt="Jos Buttler" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-326433" class="wp-caption-text">Rajasthan Royals&#8217; Jos Buttler. (Photo Source: Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption>

Rajasthan Royals (RR) seem to have some firepower at the top. They have the X-factor in Jos Buttler at the top of the order. The move to make him open the batting a couple of seasons back worked wonders and they haven&#8217;t looked back. The England wicket-keeper batsman has become their most consistent player.

The champions from the inaugural edition have a few other options to accompany him at the top. The exciting young Under-19 star <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/after-u19-world-cup-exploits-yashasvi-jaiswal-excited-to-share-rajasthan-royals-dressing-room-with-steve-smith-ben-stokes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Yashasvi Jaiswal</a> could be the one walking out to bat with Buttler. It may even be the experience of Robin Uthappa.

If the former happens and Uthappa bats at three, it leaves Steve Smith at 4 and Ben Stokes at 5 which seems one position low for both of them. But Jaiswal is an exciting prospect and deserves a chance. Hence, the Rajasthan Royals will have some thinking to do. Buttler is their firepower with either Uthappa or Jaiswal accompanying him.

4. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) – 8.5/10

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-396547" 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-396547" class="wp-caption-text">Parthiv Patel. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Batting has never been the problem for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). They’ve always had the quality and the firepower at the top of the order. Even this year, they seem to have quite a few options to choose from and there may be a few opening combinations that may be up for discussion.

The three-time finalists have added the power of <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/it-hurts-every-day-aaron-finch-reflects-back-on-world-cup-2019-semi-final-defeat-against-england/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Aaron Finch</a> at the top this year. He is likely to open with Parthiv Patel who will also don the gloves. Finch is the power-hitter and adds some depth and quality to the line-up and it may well take some load off the two stalwarts.

However, Patel’s game outside the powerplay has been questioned. RCB have Devdutt Padikkal who has been in great form but they don’t have any Indian backup wicket-keeping options who can bat in the middle order. They have Josh Phillipe who is an opener as well. Thus, RCB get 8.5 on 10 because of the lack of other options which affects the opening combination as well.

5. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) – 8.5/10

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-338602" 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-338602" class="wp-caption-text">Shubman Gill. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

For the 2020 season, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) won’t have two of their premier top-order players of the years gone by (Chris Lynn and Robin Uthappa). That means Shubman Gill is certain to open the innings but the question will be who.

Gill has been in fine form and will be one of the first names on the KKR team sheet. There are a few options KKR can employ. Sunil Narine has been a preferred choice but the experiment was dropped midway through the 2019 season with the rise of Gill. KKR have an exciting Englishman&#8211; <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/strong-performances-in-ipl-2020-will-help-me-break-into-englands-t20-world-cup-squad-tom-banton/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tom Banton</a> who could be in for a spot in the playing XI if KKR decide to play an extra overseas batsman.

The 2012 and 2014 champions also have Rahul Tripathi who is an attractive player at the top of the order. Hence, there are a few options but there is no real firepower at the top, someone who can take the game by the scruff of its neck and take it away from the opposition in no time. Thus, KKR get an 8.5.

6. Mumbai Indians (MI) – 9/10

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-327414" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Rohit-Sharma-4.jpg" alt="Rohit Sharma" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-327414" class="wp-caption-text">Rohit Sharma. (Photo Source: IANS)</figcaption>

Mumbai Indians (MI) are spoilt for choice with the variety of openers they have. At least five of their frontline batsmen can open the batting and in fact, do it regularly or have done it at some stage. Mumbai Indians have players that will make most T20 XIs but they will have to leave one or the other out as well.

Rohit Sharma, Quinton de Kock, Suryakumar Yadav, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/fans-want-sanju-samson-and-ishan-kishan-to-make-it-to-the-indian-team-after-rishabh-pants-constant-failures/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ishan Kishan </a>and Chris Lynn are present in the MI camp this time around. It may likely be that skipper Rohit and de Kock will open the batting and they form a destructive pair. However, it’s tough to leave someone as the calibre of Chris Lynn out as well. But MI don’t have room for him either.

Be it backups or frontline players, MI have the opening slot sorted but they will need to think about how they can accommodate Lynn. In fact, he played in the middle-order in the BBL 2019-20 season.

7. Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) – 9/10

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-339187" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/KL-Rahul.jpg" alt="KL Rahul" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-339187" class="wp-caption-text">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 <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/hope-you-are-actually-as-innocent-as-your-smile-kl-rahul-extends-birthday-wishes-to-mayank-agarwal-in-a-cheeky-way/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">KL Rahul</a>, Chris Gayle and Mayank Agarwal.

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 Rahul-Gayle pair has done well too.

Meanwhile, they also have Mayank Agarwal who can open the batting. Kings XI Punjab usually play him at No.3 with the Rahul-Gayle duo showing great consistency and solidity at the top. Thus, Punjab get a 9 on 10 as far as rating the opening combinations for the 2020 IPL season is concerned.

8. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) – 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. It was only last year that the duo started opening together and found a lot of success.

In fact, their excellent partnership at the top was one of the reasons for SRH’s success. Warner invariably got a big score and Bairstow didn’t disappoint either. Moreover, both batsmen had excellent strike-rates as well. Thus, the Warner-Bairstow partnership was the best last season and will be the one to watch out this year as well.

Meanwhile, SRH have enough quality backup as well. <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/world-class-jasprit-bumrah-is-bowling-really-nicely-kane-williamson/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kane Williamson</a> can open the batting if needed while Wriddhiman Saha has also done a decent job whenever he’s got the opportunity. Hence, SRH get a 9.5 mainly because of the Warner-Bairstow pair.

With the schedule of the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) announced, the buzz around the Indian T20 league is back. There are about less than six more weeks before the first game of the 2020 season of the IPL is underway. And once again, we may be in for a roller-coaster tournament where we could see some big-hitting and high scores as well.
The base of these high scores are usually the openers as they play an integral part most of the times. They play a huge role in setting up the game and innings for a particular team. The opening pair is the one that sets the tone more often than not. Most teams have destructive openers for the upcoming season.
Thus, here we rate opening combinations of each team for the 2020 season of the IPL:
<h3>1. Delhi Capitals (DC) – 8/10</h3>
<figure id="attachment_340204" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-340204" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-340204" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Prithvi-Shaw.jpg" alt="Prithvi Shaw" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-340204" class="wp-caption-text">Prithvi Shaw. (Photo: Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
Delhi Capitals (DC) have a lot of openers at their disposal. Be it Indian or overseas, they have a variety to choose from. Thus, there could be various combinations that could be formed.
They already had the likes of Shikhar Dhawan and <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/new-zealand-vs-india-daryl-mitchell-rips-prithvi-shaws-poles-apart/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Prithvi Shaw</a>. Ajinkya Rahane was roped in through trade while Jason Roy, Alex Carey and Marcus Stoinis were bought in the auction. While the latter two can bat in the middle order as well, they are a lot more effective at the top and they’ve shown that as well.
Hence, Delhi have as many as six frontline openers to choose from. However, they might go in with the all-Indian option with Dhawan opening with either Rahane or Shaw. It might be the latter with Rahane coming in at No.3 as Roy might be shuffled to test at different situations. But with Roy missing most of the games due to the packed Indian top order, Delhi Capitals lack an enforcer or a game-changer at the top and hence, their opening combination gets 8/10.

<h3>2. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – 8/10</h3>
<figure id="attachment_246517" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-246517" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-246517" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Shane-Watson-3.jpg" alt="Shane Watson" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-246517" class="wp-caption-text">Shane Watson of Chennai Super Kings. (Photo by IANS)</figcaption></figure>
If there is one team that hates chopping and changing, then it is Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The three-time IPL champions love backing their tried and tested formula in almost every department. There are changes throughout the season but not big ones unless there are some injuries. The same is the case with the top order as well.
There’s little doubt that CSK will change their opening combination this time around. Shane Watson is expected to walk out to bat with <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/3-players-who-can-replace-faf-du-plessis-as-south-africas-test-skipper/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Faf du Plessis</a>. They have had decent success as a pair and individually as well. If CSK need to play an overseas bowler or an all-rounder, the latter is usually the one who is benched and it’s Ambati Rayudu who moves to the top.
But all three of them aren’t in the greatest of forms. Watson hasn’t played a lot in the recent past while Rayudu last played a competitive game in November 2019. Du Plessis has blown hot and cold with his form. CSK have some decent backups in Murali Vijay, Ruturaj Gaikwad and N Jagadeesan.

<h3>3. Rajasthan Royals (RR) – 8.5/10</h3>
<figure id="attachment_326433" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-326433" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-326433" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Jos-Buttler.jpg" alt="Jos Buttler" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-326433" class="wp-caption-text">Rajasthan Royals’ Jos Buttler. (Photo Source: Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
Rajasthan Royals (RR) seem to have some firepower at the top. They have the X-factor in Jos Buttler at the top of the order. The move to make him open the batting a couple of seasons back worked wonders and they haven’t looked back. The England wicket-keeper batsman has become their most consistent player.
The champions from the inaugural edition have a few other options to accompany him at the top. The exciting young Under-19 star <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/after-u19-world-cup-exploits-yashasvi-jaiswal-excited-to-share-rajasthan-royals-dressing-room-with-steve-smith-ben-stokes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Yashasvi Jaiswal</a> could be the one walking out to bat with Buttler. It may even be the experience of Robin Uthappa.
If the former happens and Uthappa bats at three, it leaves Steve Smith at 4 and Ben Stokes at 5 which seems one position low for both of them. But Jaiswal is an exciting prospect and deserves a chance. Hence, the Rajasthan Royals will have some thinking to do. Buttler is their firepower with either Uthappa or Jaiswal accompanying him.

<h3>4. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) – 8.5/10</h3>
<figure id="attachment_396547" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-396547" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-396547" 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-396547" class="wp-caption-text">Parthiv Patel. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
Batting has never been the problem for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). They’ve always had the quality and the firepower at the top of the order. Even this year, they seem to have quite a few options to choose from and there may be a few opening combinations that may be up for discussion.
The three-time finalists have added the power of <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/it-hurts-every-day-aaron-finch-reflects-back-on-world-cup-2019-semi-final-defeat-against-england/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Aaron Finch</a> at the top this year. He is likely to open with Parthiv Patel who will also don the gloves. Finch is the power-hitter and adds some depth and quality to the line-up and it may well take some load off the two stalwarts.
However, Patel’s game outside the powerplay has been questioned. RCB have Devdutt Padikkal who has been in great form but they don’t have any Indian backup wicket-keeping options who can bat in the middle order. They have Josh Phillipe who is an opener as well. Thus, RCB get 8.5 on 10 because of the lack of other options which affects the opening combination as well.

<h3>5. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) – 8.5/10</h3>
<figure id="attachment_338602" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-338602" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-338602" 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-338602" class="wp-caption-text">Shubman Gill. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
For the 2020 season, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) won’t have two of their premier top-order players of the years gone by (Chris Lynn and Robin Uthappa). That means Shubman Gill is certain to open the innings but the question will be who.
Gill has been in fine form and will be one of the first names on the KKR team sheet. There are a few options KKR can employ. Sunil Narine has been a preferred choice but the experiment was dropped midway through the 2019 season with the rise of Gill. KKR have an exciting Englishman– <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/strong-performances-in-ipl-2020-will-help-me-break-into-englands-t20-world-cup-squad-tom-banton/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tom Banton</a> who could be in for a spot in the playing XI if KKR decide to play an extra overseas batsman.
The 2012 and 2014 champions also have Rahul Tripathi who is an attractive player at the top of the order. Hence, there are a few options but there is no real firepower at the top, someone who can take the game by the scruff of its neck and take it away from the opposition in no time. Thus, KKR get an 8.5.

<h3>6. Mumbai Indians (MI) – 9/10</h3>
<figure id="attachment_327414" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-327414" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-327414" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Rohit-Sharma-4.jpg" alt="Rohit Sharma" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-327414" class="wp-caption-text">Rohit Sharma. (Photo Source: IANS)</figcaption></figure>
Mumbai Indians (MI) are spoilt for choice with the variety of openers they have. At least five of their frontline batsmen can open the batting and in fact, do it regularly or have done it at some stage. Mumbai Indians have players that will make most T20 XIs but they will have to leave one or the other out as well.
Rohit Sharma, Quinton de Kock, Suryakumar Yadav, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/fans-want-sanju-samson-and-ishan-kishan-to-make-it-to-the-indian-team-after-rishabh-pants-constant-failures/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ishan Kishan&nbsp;</a>and Chris Lynn are present in the MI camp this time around. It may likely be that skipper Rohit and de Kock will open the batting and they form a destructive pair. However, it’s tough to leave someone as the calibre of Chris Lynn out as well. But MI don’t have room for him either.
Be it backups or frontline players, MI have the opening slot sorted but they will need to think about how they can accommodate Lynn. In fact, he played in the middle-order in the BBL 2019-20 season.

<h3>7. Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) – 9/10</h3>
<figure id="attachment_339187" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-339187" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-339187" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/KL-Rahul.jpg" alt="KL Rahul" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-339187" class="wp-caption-text">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 <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/hope-you-are-actually-as-innocent-as-your-smile-kl-rahul-extends-birthday-wishes-to-mayank-agarwal-in-a-cheeky-way/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">KL Rahul</a>, Chris Gayle and Mayank Agarwal.
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 Rahul-Gayle pair has done well too.
Meanwhile, they also have Mayank Agarwal who can open the batting. Kings XI Punjab usually play him at No.3 with the Rahul-Gayle duo showing great consistency and solidity at the top. Thus, Punjab get a 9 on 10 as far as rating the opening combinations for the 2020 IPL season is concerned.

<h3>8. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) – 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. It was only last year that the duo started opening together and found a lot of success.
In fact, their excellent partnership at the top was one of the reasons for SRH’s success. Warner invariably got a big score and Bairstow didn’t disappoint either. Moreover, both batsmen had excellent strike-rates as well. Thus, the Warner-Bairstow partnership was the best last season and will be the one to watch out this year as well.
Meanwhile, SRH have enough quality backup as well. <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/world-class-jasprit-bumrah-is-bowling-really-nicely-kane-williamson/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kane Williamson</a> can open the batting if needed while Wriddhiman Saha has also done a decent job whenever he’s got the opportunity. Hence, SRH get a 9.5 mainly because of the Warner-Bairstow pair.

With the schedule of the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) announced, the buzz around the Indian T20 league is back. There are about less than six more weeks before the first game of the 2020 season of the IPL is underway. And once again, we may be in for a roller-coaster tournament where we could see some big-hitting and high scores as well.
The base of these high scores are usually the openers as they play an integral part most of the times. They play a huge role in setting up the game and innings for a particular team. The opening pair is the one that sets the tone more often than not. Most teams have destructive openers for the upcoming season.
Thus, here we rate opening combinations of each team for the 2020 season of the IPL:
<h3>1. Delhi Capitals (DC) – 8/10</h3>
<figure id="attachment_340204" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-340204" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-340204" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Prithvi-Shaw.jpg" alt="Prithvi Shaw" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-340204" class="wp-caption-text">Prithvi Shaw. (Photo: Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
Delhi Capitals (DC) have a lot of openers at their disposal. Be it Indian or overseas, they have a variety to choose from. Thus, there could be various combinations that could be formed.
They already had the likes of Shikhar Dhawan and <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/new-zealand-vs-india-daryl-mitchell-rips-prithvi-shaws-poles-apart/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Prithvi Shaw</a>. Ajinkya Rahane was roped in through trade while Jason Roy, Alex Carey and Marcus Stoinis were bought in the auction. While the latter two can bat in the middle order as well, they are a lot more effective at the top and they’ve shown that as well.
Hence, Delhi have as many as six frontline openers to choose from. However, they might go in with the all-Indian option with Dhawan opening with either Rahane or Shaw. It might be the latter with Rahane coming in at No.3 as Roy might be shuffled to test at different situations. But with Roy missing most of the games due to the packed Indian top order, Delhi Capitals lack an enforcer or a game-changer at the top and hence, their opening combination gets 8/10.

<h3>2. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – 8/10</h3>
<figure id="attachment_246517" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-246517" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-246517" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Shane-Watson-3.jpg" alt="Shane Watson" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-246517" class="wp-caption-text">Shane Watson of Chennai Super Kings. (Photo by IANS)</figcaption></figure>
If there is one team that hates chopping and changing, then it is Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The three-time IPL champions love backing their tried and tested formula in almost every department. There are changes throughout the season but not big ones unless there are some injuries. The same is the case with the top order as well.
There’s little doubt that CSK will change their opening combination this time around. Shane Watson is expected to walk out to bat with <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/3-players-who-can-replace-faf-du-plessis-as-south-africas-test-skipper/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Faf du Plessis</a>. They have had decent success as a pair and individually as well. If CSK need to play an overseas bowler or an all-rounder, the latter is usually the one who is benched and it’s Ambati Rayudu who moves to the top.
But all three of them aren’t in the greatest of forms. Watson hasn’t played a lot in the recent past while Rayudu last played a competitive game in November 2019. Du Plessis has blown hot and cold with his form. CSK have some decent backups in Murali Vijay, Ruturaj Gaikwad and N Jagadeesan.

<h3>3. Rajasthan Royals (RR) – 8.5/10</h3>
<figure id="attachment_326433" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-326433" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-326433" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Jos-Buttler.jpg" alt="Jos Buttler" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-326433" class="wp-caption-text">Rajasthan Royals&#8217; Jos Buttler. (Photo Source: Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
Rajasthan Royals (RR) seem to have some firepower at the top. They have the X-factor in Jos Buttler at the top of the order. The move to make him open the batting a couple of seasons back worked wonders and they haven&#8217;t looked back. The England wicket-keeper batsman has become their most consistent player.
The champions from the inaugural edition have a few other options to accompany him at the top. The exciting young Under-19 star <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/after-u19-world-cup-exploits-yashasvi-jaiswal-excited-to-share-rajasthan-royals-dressing-room-with-steve-smith-ben-stokes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Yashasvi Jaiswal</a> could be the one walking out to bat with Buttler. It may even be the experience of Robin Uthappa.
If the former happens and Uthappa bats at three, it leaves Steve Smith at 4 and Ben Stokes at 5 which seems one position low for both of them. But Jaiswal is an exciting prospect and deserves a chance. Hence, the Rajasthan Royals will have some thinking to do. Buttler is their firepower with either Uthappa or Jaiswal accompanying him.

<h3>4. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) – 8.5/10</h3>
<figure id="attachment_396547" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-396547" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-396547" 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-396547" class="wp-caption-text">Parthiv Patel. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
Batting has never been the problem for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). They’ve always had the quality and the firepower at the top of the order. Even this year, they seem to have quite a few options to choose from and there may be a few opening combinations that may be up for discussion.
The three-time finalists have added the power of <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/it-hurts-every-day-aaron-finch-reflects-back-on-world-cup-2019-semi-final-defeat-against-england/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Aaron Finch</a> at the top this year. He is likely to open with Parthiv Patel who will also don the gloves. Finch is the power-hitter and adds some depth and quality to the line-up and it may well take some load off the two stalwarts.
However, Patel’s game outside the powerplay has been questioned. RCB have Devdutt Padikkal who has been in great form but they don’t have any Indian backup wicket-keeping options who can bat in the middle order. They have Josh Phillipe who is an opener as well. Thus, RCB get 8.5 on 10 because of the lack of other options which affects the opening combination as well.

<h3>5. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) – 8.5/10</h3>
<figure id="attachment_338602" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-338602" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-338602" 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-338602" class="wp-caption-text">Shubman Gill. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
For the 2020 season, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) won’t have two of their premier top-order players of the years gone by (Chris Lynn and Robin Uthappa). That means Shubman Gill is certain to open the innings but the question will be who.
Gill has been in fine form and will be one of the first names on the KKR team sheet. There are a few options KKR can employ. Sunil Narine has been a preferred choice but the experiment was dropped midway through the 2019 season with the rise of Gill. KKR have an exciting Englishman&#8211; <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/strong-performances-in-ipl-2020-will-help-me-break-into-englands-t20-world-cup-squad-tom-banton/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tom Banton</a> who could be in for a spot in the playing XI if KKR decide to play an extra overseas batsman.
The 2012 and 2014 champions also have Rahul Tripathi who is an attractive player at the top of the order. Hence, there are a few options but there is no real firepower at the top, someone who can take the game by the scruff of its neck and take it away from the opposition in no time. Thus, KKR get an 8.5.

<h3>6. Mumbai Indians (MI) – 9/10</h3>
<figure id="attachment_327414" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-327414" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-327414" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Rohit-Sharma-4.jpg" alt="Rohit Sharma" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-327414" class="wp-caption-text">Rohit Sharma. (Photo Source: IANS)</figcaption></figure>
Mumbai Indians (MI) are spoilt for choice with the variety of openers they have. At least five of their frontline batsmen can open the batting and in fact, do it regularly or have done it at some stage. Mumbai Indians have players that will make most T20 XIs but they will have to leave one or the other out as well.
Rohit Sharma, Quinton de Kock, Suryakumar Yadav, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/fans-want-sanju-samson-and-ishan-kishan-to-make-it-to-the-indian-team-after-rishabh-pants-constant-failures/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ishan Kishan </a>and Chris Lynn are present in the MI camp this time around. It may likely be that skipper Rohit and de Kock will open the batting and they form a destructive pair. However, it’s tough to leave someone as the calibre of Chris Lynn out as well. But MI don’t have room for him either.
Be it backups or frontline players, MI have the opening slot sorted but they will need to think about how they can accommodate Lynn. In fact, he played in the middle-order in the BBL 2019-20 season.

<h3>7. Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) – 9/10</h3>
<figure id="attachment_339187" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-339187" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-339187" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/KL-Rahul.jpg" alt="KL Rahul" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-339187" class="wp-caption-text">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 <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/hope-you-are-actually-as-innocent-as-your-smile-kl-rahul-extends-birthday-wishes-to-mayank-agarwal-in-a-cheeky-way/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">KL Rahul</a>, Chris Gayle and Mayank Agarwal.
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 Rahul-Gayle pair has done well too.
Meanwhile, they also have Mayank Agarwal who can open the batting. Kings XI Punjab usually play him at No.3 with the Rahul-Gayle duo showing great consistency and solidity at the top. Thus, Punjab get a 9 on 10 as far as rating the opening combinations for the 2020 IPL season is concerned.

<h3>8. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) – 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. It was only last year that the duo started opening together and found a lot of success.
In fact, their excellent partnership at the top was one of the reasons for SRH’s success. Warner invariably got a big score and Bairstow didn’t disappoint either. Moreover, both batsmen had excellent strike-rates as well. Thus, the Warner-Bairstow partnership was the best last season and will be the one to watch out this year as well.
Meanwhile, SRH have enough quality backup as well. <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/world-class-jasprit-bumrah-is-bowling-really-nicely-kane-williamson/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kane Williamson</a> can open the batting if needed while Wriddhiman Saha has also done a decent job whenever he’s got the opportunity. Hence, SRH get a 9.5 mainly because of the Warner-Bairstow pair.

The opening pair is the one that sets the tone more often than not. Most teams have destructive openers for the upcoming season.

IPL 2020: Rating opening combination of all the 8 teams

The opening pair is the one that sets the tone more often than not. Most IPL teams have destructive openers for the upcoming season.