From RCB in 2008 to KKR in 2025: IPL teams that failed to build 50-plus opening partnership in a season

Kolkata Knight Riders ( KKR) ended their disappointing IPL 2025 season with a crushing 110-run loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.

Chasing 279, KKR were bowled out for just 168. The highlight of the match was Heinrich Klaasen’s unbeaten century.

This was KKR’s biggest defeat in IPL history in terms of runs. Another low point? They didn’t manage a single 50-plus opening partnership the whole season.

1. Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2008
According to Cricbuzz, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) failed to put together a 50-plus opening stand in the very first IPL season in 2008.

RCB, led by Rahul Dravid, played in the first-ever IPL match against KKR. They tried many opening combinations, including a young Virat Kohli, but none worked out.

Their highest opening stand that season was just 37. They finished second from the bottom, winning only four games.

2. Delhi Capitals in 2010

Two years later, Delhi Capitals (then known as Delhi Daredevils) had a similar experience in IPL 2010.

Despite having top players like Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, and David Warner, they couldn't put together a strong opening partnership.

They finished fifth with 14 points, narrowly missing the playoffs.

3. Kolkata Knight Riders in 2025

And now in 2025, KKR have joined this unwanted list. They went through the entire season without a 50-plus stand at the top.

Their main openers, Quinton de Kock and Sunil Narine, failed to build momentum. KKR also tried Rahmanullah Gurbaz, but nothing seemed to click.

Inputs from agencies