In cricket, a “duck” refers to a batter being dismissed without scoring any runs. While every player aims to make significant contributions to their team, accumulating ducks can be a frustrating aspect of the game.
Here, we explore the top five active players with the most ducks in international cricket, highlighting their careers and performance statistics in reverse order.
ALSO READ: What Is A Golden Duck In Cricket?
5. Rohit Sharma – 33 Ducks
Rohit Sharma, the current captain of the Indian cricket team, ranks fifth on our list with 33 ducks across all formats of international cricket. His record includes 12 ducks in T20Is, 16 in ODIs, and 5 in Tests.
Despite these unfortunate dismissals, Rohit remains a key player for India. He has amassed over 19,276 runs throughout his career, showcasing his ability to bounce back from setbacks and deliver match-winning performances.
4. Tamim Iqbal – 36 Ducks
Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal comes in fourth with 36 ducks since his debut in 2007. His record includes 19 ducks in ODIs alone, highlighting a significant portion of his scoreless innings.
Although he briefly announced his retirement from international cricket in 2023, he reversed this decision shortly after due to encouragement from officials. Tamim’s experience and talent continue to make him vital to Bangladesh’s batting lineup.
3. Tim Southee – 38 Ducks
New Zealand’s Tim Southee shares the third spot with 38 ducks, matching Virat Kohli but achieving this in fewer innings—293 compared to Kohli’s 595. Southee’s dismissals include 19 in Tests, 13 in ODIs, and 6 in T20Is.
Known primarily for his bowling skills, Southee’s batting contributions have been limited, reflected in his overall batting average of just 14.09 across formats. Despite this, he remains an integral part of New Zealand’s bowling attack.
2. Virat Kohli – 38 Ducks
Virat Kohli, one of cricket’s modern legends, also has 38 ducks to his name. His record includes 16 ducks in ODIs and 15 in Tests, with the remaining seven coming in T20Is. Kohli’s recent performance against New Zealand added another duck to his tally during a Test match at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in October 2024.
Despite these setbacks, Kohli boasts an impressive career average of 53.23, underscoring his status as one of the greats of the game.
1. Ishant Sharma – 40 Ducks
At the top of our list is Ishant Sharma, the seasoned Indian fast bowler, who holds the record for the most ducks among active players with 40 ducks across his international career. Ishant has faced difficulties at the crease primarily as a lower-order batter, recording 34 ducks in Test matches alone.
His last international appearance was in November 2021, yet he remains an important figure in discussions about cricket’s unpredictability and the challenges faced by bowlers when batting.
Conclusion
The phenomenon of accumulating ducks is an unfortunate reality for many cricketers, regardless of their talent or experience. The players listed above—Rohit Sharma, Tamim Iqbal, Tim Southee, Virat Kohli, and Ishant Sharma—demonstrate that even elite athletes face challenges at the crease. As they continue their careers, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how they manage these setbacks and strive for consistency.
This detailed examination not only highlights individual player statistics but also reflects on the unpredictable nature of cricket—a sport where even the best can face moments they’d prefer to forget.
ALSO READ: Virat Kohli’s Performance At No. 3 In Test Cricket