It has been a while since IPL started. In 2022, two new teams joined the competition. On that note, here, we take a look at the first opening pair for each franchise in IPL history and where they are right now.
Chennai Super Kings – Matthew Hayden and Parthiv Patel
While Hayden works as a commentator and takes up coaching roles, Parthiv Patel also has a similar job now. He is also a talent scout for Mumbai Indians.
Delhi Capitals – Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir
Delhi Capitals probably had the best combination when it came to the first opening pair for each franchise in IPL history. Viru is a commentator while Gambhir is currently the Mentor of KKR.
Punjab Kings – Karan Goel and James Hopes
It was an interesting choice by the franchise. While not much is known about Karan Goel, James Hopes has a few coaching assignments right now.
Kolkata Knight Riders – Sourav Ganguly and Brendon McCullum
Ganguly is with Delhi Capitals as a Director. Brendon McCullum is the Head Coach of the England Test Team at the moment.
Mumbai Indians – Luke Ronchi and Sanath Jayasuriya
Mumbai Indians had an overseas combination when it came to the first opening pair for each franchise in IPL history. Luke Ronchi has some coaching gigs while Sanath was previously involved as a politician and also in the Sri Lankan cricket administration.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru – Rahul Dravid and Wasim Jaffer
Rahul Dravid is the Head Coach of Team India at the moment. Wasim Jaffer operated as a batting coach in IPL 2023 but is now a commentator.
Rajasthan Royals – Yusuf Pathan and Taruwar Kohli
It was a young Indian duo for RR in the first opening pair for each franchise in IPL history. Yusuf Pathan is soon entering politics while there is not much news about T Kohli.
Deccan Chargers – Adam Gilchrist and V Rao
Adam Gilchrist is a commentator right now. He is not into coaching. Venugopala Rao is also a commentator but in the Telugu Language.
Sunrisers Hyderabad – Parthiv Patel and P Reddy
Parthiv Patel is a talent scout and a commentator. He is popular for his views at the moment. On the other hand, we do not have much information about P Akshath Reddy.
Kochi Tuskers Kerala – Brendon McCullum and VVS Laxman
It was an experienced combination for KTK in the first opening pair for each franchise in IPL history. We talked about McCullum earlier. VVS Laxman is at the helm of NCA right now.
Pune Warriors India – Graeme Smith and Jesse Ryder
Graeme Smith is the main man at Cricket South Africa. Jesse Ryder is not very active at the moment in the game of cricket. Smith is also the man behind the SA20 T20 League.
Rising Pune Supergiant – Ajinkya Rahane and Faf du Plessis
Both these players are still playing in the IPL. While Rahane is now a CSK cricketer, Faf is the captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Gujarat Lions – Aaron Finch and Brendon McCullum
Aaron Finch and Brendon McCullum formed the first opening pair for Gujarat Lions in IPL history. Finch works as a commentator while McCullum is the Head Coach of the England Test Team.
Gujarat Titans – Shubman Gill and Matthew Wade
Both these players still play for the Gujarat Titans. Gill is the captain of the side now while Wade does not get a lot of games to play.
Lucknow Super Giants – KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock
This duo still opens the batting for LSG. They will have an important role to play in the coming days for the franchise.
