From Tendulkar-Smith to Rohit-Rickelton: Celebrating MI’s biggest ever partnerships
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In the world of Mumbai Indians franchisees, partnerships are never limited to careers undertaken by two people; in fact, they define the true sense of belief that multiplies. Over the last 18 seasons, MI has mastered the art of turning talented duos into master destroyers of opposition bowling attacks. From the legends who laid the foundation to the next generation carrying it forward… the legacy of the five-time IPL champions says it all.
Let’s take a look at Mumbai, India’s top four partnerships over the years in T20s.
167 – Rohit Sharma and Herschelle Gibbs, Kolkata, 2012
the 12thth In May 2012, our very own hitman, Rohit Sharma, along with Herschelle Gibbs, shared an unbeaten record of 167 runs in partnership for the second wicket, dismantling the opposition bowling attack with effortless class. MI won that clash by 27 runs against their opponents Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens. It was here where our Rajah of MumbaichaRohit smashed his first IPL century, 109* off 60 balls, while Gibbs contributed 66* off 58 deliveries. This ended KKR’s seven-match unbeaten streak.
163 – Dwayne Smith and Sachin Tendulkar, Jaipur, 2012
20th In May 2012, Mumbai star Sachin Tendulkar and POTM Dwayne Smith scored an unbeaten 163 runs for the inaugural partnership in Jaipur. The master blaster contributed 58* in 51 deliveries while storm smith he made a dent in the opposition with 87*(58). MI won by 10 wickets with 12 balls to spare. RR were surprised when MI sent Sachin-Smith to open, marking their eighth different opening combination that season.
148 – Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton, Mumbai, 2026
The 14-year curse ended on the 29thth March 2026, when MI achieved a victory in the first match by 6 wickets. Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton’s opening partnership of 148 runs became the third-highest for the men in blue and gold in T20 against KKR at the Wankhede Stadium. Rohit anchored the innings with 78 (38), while Rickelton’s swashbuckling 81 (43) was pure nostalgia. A combination of experience and class gave Paltan immense joy and a memorable experience.
143 – Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma, Mumbai, 2024
Mr. 360 Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma shared a great partnership of 143 runs for all 4th wicket, leading MI to a seven-wicket win against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Wankhede Stadium on the 6thth May 2024. Scoops, sweeps, films and highs were the highlights of the program as POTM given surya He played an explosive knock of 102 off 51 balls. TV played second fiddle with 37 off 32 composed balls, which is now the fourth-highest run partnership for MI in T20.
Every great MI story begins with partnerships that hit the opposition harder than limits!