When it comes to the openers, it is best to have a pair that complements each other. Firstly, it would be great if the team could have a left-right combination at the top. Next up, if the openers have different gears, each which complements the style, strengths and weaknesses of the partner, it would make for a great opening combination. On that note, here, we take a look at the list of three teams with the best complementary openers for IPL 2024.
1) Punjab Kings (Shikhar Dhawan and Jonny Bairstow)
Although Prabhsimran Singh is present, PBKS could insist on Jonny Bairstow as the opening partner for Shikhar Dhawan in IPL 2024. This pair offers experience and can take the game away from the opposition in the powerplay.
While Shikhar can hold anchor, he has also developed an extra gear now. Bairstow usually goes hard in the beginning. Shikhar can play the spinners well, something that Bairstow could struggle with.
2) Rajasthan Royals (Jos Buttler and Yashasvi Jaiswal)
Jos Buttler and Yashasvi Jaiswal will be the best opening combination in IPL 2024. They tick boxes in various parameters and being complementary is one of them.
Both of the RR openers can take on the bowlers while Buttler can also stick around if the conditions are tricky. Jaiswal could struggle against high-end pace, which Buttler could deal with if required.
3) Chennai Super Kings (Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway)
CSK is one of the teams with the best complementary openers for IPL 2024. Both these players are similar when it comes to their style but they have got multiple gears and this helps them adapt to the game situation.
Usually, it is Conway who starts aggressively but we have also seen Ruturaj take advantage of the powerplay when needed. They are both good against spinners and also can do well against the pacers. They were one of the main reasons why CSK won IPL 2023.
