PHIL SALT-SUNIL NARINE AHEAD OF VIRAT KOHLI-FAF DU PLESSIS AND ROHIT SHARMA-ISHAN KISHAN

NEW DELHI: They come, they see the ball, and launch it over the park - that's how Kolkata Knight Riders openers Sunil Narine and Phil Salt have been wreaking havoc on opposition bowling attacks in the ongoing IPL 2024.

KKR, the two-time champions, currently sit second in the points table with seven wins in 10 matches, largely thanks to the solid foundations provided by Salt and Narine. These two have been instrumental in establishing strong starts for KKR.

In the match against Lucknow Super Giants, Salt, and Narine sent bowlers to all corners of the field. They formed a 61-run partnership for the opening wicket.

Salt and Narine have now stitched together six 50-run partnerships in IPL 2024, leading the way among opening pairs. They outperformed Mumbai Indians' Ishan Kishan and Rohit Sharma, who have achieved four 50-plus opening stands, and RCB's Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis, who have managed the feat three times this season.

Most 50+ opening partnerships in IPL 2024

6 - Phil Salt and Sunil Narine*

4 - Ishan Kishan and Rohit Sharma

3 - Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis