IPL 2025: 'Gaikwad-Conway' to 'Narine-Russell', Meet Seven Deadly Combos who can do Wonders for their Teams

Add as a preferred source on Google

Cricket is a team sport, and while individual brilliance can shine in moments, it is the partnerships that often help the team win games. The upcoming IPL 2025 season is expected to have plenty of interesting things in store for the fans.

The Indian Premier League is a platform where countless players have expressed themselves and stole the spotlight. As we look forward to IPL 2025, we will go through some several player pairs who can stand out for their potential to create magic for their teams. Let's look at how these duos can synergize and deliver game-changing performances.

1. Josh Hazlewood-Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru have often been criticized for its death-bowling woes. Their inability to take wickets in clutch moments have often put them on the backfoot, more often than not. However, this time around, they are expected to immensely benefit from the services of Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who are a perfect blend of pace and precision.

RCB re-signed Josh Hazlewood for INR 12.5 crore at the IPL 2025 auction. He delivered his best IPL season, accounting for 20 dismissals in 12 matches at an average of 18.85. In IPL 2023, he was limited to just three matches owing to an Achilles injury. He did not feature in IPL 2024 due to personal reasons. In 27 IPL appearances, he took 35 wickets at an economy of 8.06.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been a vital asset for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the death overs over the years. The veteran witnessed a dip in his performances in the last season, where he took 13 wickets in 16 games before he was released by the franchise. He was roped in by RCB for INR 10.75 crore at the IPL mega auction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Bhuvi has taken 181 wickets in 176 games at an economy of 7.56, including 2 fifers. For sure, Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar can transform RCB's bowling from a vulnerability into a strength.

2. Devon Conway-Ruturaj Gaikwad (Chennai Super Kings)

This opening duo already feels like a masterstroke by CSK. Conway is known for his consistency and ability to anchor the innings whereas Gaikwad has showcased his elegance and ability to up the ante when it mattered the most for the five-time IPL champions.

Let's not forget that the left and right hand combination worked wonders for CSK in the title-winning campaign in 2023, with Conway and Gaikwad scoring 672 and 590 runs. We have seen how Conway's adaptability across conditions allowing Ruturaj the freedom to express himself and go about his work.

The duo clicked well so far for CSK and if they can consistently lay solid foundations once again, they are certain to help the team post big totals or pull off smooth chases. Conway scored 924 runs in 23 games including 9 fifties whereas Gaikwad scored 2380 runs in 66 games, laced with 2 centuries and 18 fifties.

3. Ravichandran Ashwin-Ravindra Jadeja (Chennai Super Kings)

It is no secret that Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja are expected to give the opposition teams a run for their money. It is indeed the best spin-bowling partnership in the current era. The duo have different styles who can keep batters guessing.

On slow Chepauk tracks, the duo will not only control the middle overs but also pick crucial wickets and help CSK win more games. On top of that, both can pitch in with handy contributions with the bat. Additionally, it will be a homecoming for Ashwin and couldn't be any happier to wear the jersey again and reunite with MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja.

Ashwin knows the Chepauk surface better than any other bowler and will be the trump card for CSK at home fixtures. Ravi Ashwin who was roped in by CSK by INR 9.75 crore at the IPL 2025 auction, has bagged 180 wickets in 212 appearances at an economy of 7.12. On the other hand, Jadeja who was retained by CSK ahead of the auction took 160 wickets in 240 games including a fifer. He scored 2959 runs including 3 fifties.

4. Travis Head-Abhishek Sharma (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

This left-right combo was SRH's solution for power-packed starts and their performances were there for everyone to see in the IPL 2024 season, which powered them to the finals of the competition. Travis Head showcased his aggression against pace and spin and so was Abhishek Sharma who showed no mercy by scoring runs at a rate of knots.

Both the left-handers became prized assets for SRH and their previous season's performances speak volumes. The manner in which they pierce gaps to hit a flurry of fours and smack humongous sixes were a class part. They are certainly one of the pairs to watch out for in the upcoming season.

SRH retained the duo ahead of the IPL 2025 auction, which was a wise move. The left-handers will look to capitalize on the powerplay and carry momentum into the middle overs. Head scored 567 runs in 15 matches, including 1 century and 4 fifties whereas Abhishek scored 484 runs in 16 games, including 3 fifties at a strike rate of 204.22.

5. Tilak Varma-Suryakumar Yadav (Mumbai Indians)

Mumbai Indians failed to qualify for the playoffs in the last season as they finished at the bottom of the league stage points table. They will look to sort out the woes and come strong this time around and their middle order gets an exciting boost with the likes of Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav.

Tilak Varma has showcased his potential to play big shots and accelerate when it matters whereas Suryakumar is expected to bring 360-degree shot-making under his sleeve. When set, they can switch gears effortlessly and help the team post a formidable total on the board.

The left and right hand combination is expected to succeed against quality spin or pace attacks as they can absorb pressure and explode later. If they fire together, MI will have a formidable middle-order engine. Having played 150 games, Sky scored 3,594 runs including 2 centuries and 24 fifties.

6. Yashasvi Jaiswal-Sanju Samson (Rajasthan Royals)

It is cognizance of the fact that both Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sanju Samson are a perfect mix of power and finesse. Both batters are capable of counter-attacks and cause headaches to the opposition, courtesy of their fearless approach. With Jos Buttler shifting his base to Gujarat Titans, Samson is likely to open the innings alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal.

As Yashasvi Jaiswal takes on the bowlers early on, Samson can anchor and shift gears when needed. This left and right-hand combination will be crucial in providing the Royals a dynamic start. We can expect fireworks when these two find rhythm together.

Jaiswal has played 53 games in the IPL wherein he scored 1607 runs at an average of 32.1 and an exceptional strike rate of 150.6, including two centuries and 9 half centuries. On the other hand, Sanju Samson has been a part of the IPL since 2013. Overall, he has made 168 appearances in the competition, scoring 4419 runs at an average of 30.7 under strike rate of 139, including three centuries and 25 fifties.

7. Andre Russell-Sunil Narine (Kolkata Knight Riders)

The Caribbean combination that has been the backbone of KKR for several years. Andre Russell's brute force and Narine's mystery spin is one of the most deadliest combos in the IPL. While Narine can deliver economical spells, strike in the middle overs and also score runs at the top, Russell's six-hitting prowess and wicket-taking ability can turn matches on their head.

The seasoned campaigners can thrive under pressure and could be the dependable match-winners in crunch situations once again. Sunil Narine has been a part of the IPL since 2012. Having played 177 games, he scored 1534 runs including one century and seven half centuries and maintained an impressive strike rate of 165.8.

On the other hand, he has taken 180 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 6.73 including 1 five wicket haul. Andre Russell played 127 games in the IPL since 2012, scoring 2,484 runs at a staggering strike rate of 174.9 including eleven half centuries. On the contrary, he has taken 115 wickets including 1 five-wicket haul.