IPL 2018: 5 most unlikely openers seen in the IPL

#1 James Franklin

James Franklin opened the innings with Sachin Tendulkar for Mumbai

Former New Zealand batsman was an important cog in the wheel of the Mumbai Indians back in the day and, had generally been deployed as a lower middle-order batsman.

However, there was one time when the Mumbai Indians decided to give the opener’s slot to James Franklin and although it must have come as a big surprise to everyone, the left-handed batsman actually did brilliantly.

In a game against the Kings XI Punjab, back in the 2012 season of the IPL, Mumbai Indians chose to bat first and, surprised everyone by sending in Franklin, along with Sachin Tendulkar.

The left-hander tucked into the Kings XI bowling and hit 79 runs off 51 deliveries, to help Mumbai score 163. He hit 6 fours and 4 sixes. However, Kings XI managed to chase it down comfortably in the end, thanks to an unbeaten 68 from Shaun Marsh.