The lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL) has made a name for itself as it is the most popular and the most-watched T20 league in the world. The intensity of the tournament, along with every match, is so high that the fans are up for a treat every time they watch a game.
undefined
Furthermore, the fans also look forward to the opening game of each season, as it promises to be a thriller. On the same note, we take a look at some of the best opening games of all time in IPL's illustrious history so far.
undefined
1. Chennai make lucky escape against Kolkata (2011)
undefined
MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were the then undisputed kings of the IPL, having won the title for two consecutive seasons. As they started their title-defence campaign in the 2011 season, they were up against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), who had finished fourth the previous season.
undefined
Playing at their home ground in Chennai, CSK were favourites to win the tie. They were off to a flying start, as Srikkanth Anirudha's 55-ball 64 ensured a moderate total of 1534, while Suresh Raina too contributed decently (33).
undefined
Nonetheless, it was in the second innings when things got interesting, as KKR were off to a flying start. They lost their opening wicket (Manvinder Bisla) at the score of 64. However, South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis was in a serious mood, as he played a grand innings of 54.
undefined
Yet, as the innings progressed, it became a difficult track to bat upon, as the KKR batsmen found it difficult to go for the shots. It was Tim Southee's experience that allowed CSK to defend nine runs in the final over, as the visitors fell short by just a couple of runs in a nail-biting opener.
undefined
2. CSK make a mighty return after 2 years (2018)
undefined
It was already an emotional moment for CSK in 2018, as they were making a return to the tournament following a two-year hiatus, owing to a suspension. As fans were hyped ahead of their return, it became even bigger as they opened their season campaign against defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI).
undefined
Playing at home and put into bat, MI posted a modest total of 1654, courtesy of three splendid innings from Ishan Kishan (40), Suryakumar Yadav (43) and Krunal Pandya (41 not out).
undefined
Chasing it, CSK suffered setbacks, as they were struggling at 846. But, just then, it was an out of the world knock from Dwayne Bravo, whose 30-ball 68 completely turned the match upside-down. Although his dismissal put MI back on the driver's seat at 1599, it was an injured Kedar Jadhav, who kept his cool to steer CSK home with a 22-ball 24, with just a ball to spare, as fans went ecstatic.
undefined
1. Brendon McCullum lights up IPL in style (2008)
undefined
Well.... this has to be on the top of the list. The opening game of the inaugural edition is still etched crystal clear in the memories of all IPL fans.
undefined
Dravid threw all his best bowlers at him, but McCullum continued to smash each of them all over the park, as he scored 158 off just 73 balls, which included 13 sixes. KKR posted a mammoth total of 223.
undefined
Chasing the herculean target, RCB batsmen kept on collapsing in the process to score big, as renowned pacer Ajit Agarkar's 325 just derailed RCB's train. The hosts were completely demoralised, as they were bundled for a mere 82. Fans, along with KKR owner and Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, went into a frenzy, as IPL got the rightful start it deserved and it was the perfect beginning for the global brand that it is currently.
undefined