Top 10 Batters with the Most IPL Ducks
Rohit Sharma is among the batters with most ducks in IPL history (IPLT20.com)
Cricket, often regarded as a gentleman's game, is not always kind to its players. The batsmen, in particular, have to bear the brunt of the game's harshness. The ignominy of getting out for a duck, a dreaded term for a scoreless dismissal, is something that no batsman ever wishes to face. And the shame becomes all the more profound when a batsman falls prey to a 'golden duck.'
As the cricketing landscape evolved, T20 cricket, with its fast-paced action and adrenaline-pumping excitement, emerged as a juggernaut in the cricketing world. And the Indian Premier League (IPL), the most lucrative T20 tournament in the world, became a prominent stage for batsmen to showcase their skills. However, the shorter format of the game proved to be a double-edged sword for the batters. While it provides them with an opportunity to showcase their attacking prowess, it also leaves them vulnerable to swift dismissals.
In this article, we delve into explore the top ten batters who have had the misfortune of getting out for a duck for the most number of times in IPL history.
10. Sunil Narine: 12 ducks
Sunil Narine has been with KKR since 2012 (IPLT20.com)
Sunil Narine made his name by perplexing the opposition's batsmen with his deceptive deliveries, but soon found his groove with the bat as well. With an insatiable appetite for big hits, he frequently attempted to launch every ball into the stratosphere, often to his own detriment. This has resulted in him falling for a duck a whopping 12 times in his IPL career. Nevertheless, with 150 matches under his belt, the southpaw remains a highly sought-after player, boasting a formidable strike rate of 163.03.
9. Rashid Khan: 12 ducks
Rashid Khan is renowned for his hard-hitting abilities at the death (IPLT20.com)
Rashid Khan has been a mainstay of the IPL in recent years, regularly bamboozling batsmen with his mesmerizing spin. But the leg-spinner isn't just a one-trick pony - he's also a talented batsman who can hold his own with the willow. Since making his debut in 2017, Rashid has played 94 matches and has unfortunately fallen for a duck a dozen times. Nevertheless, his impressive strike rate of 154.55 serves as a testament to his dynamic abilities on the field.
8. Ambati Rayudu: 13 ducks
Ambati Rayudu has played for MI & CSK both (IPLT20.com)
At number eight on our list is the unyielding Ambati Rayudu, who has been plying his trade since in the cash-rich league since 2010. With an impressive 188 matches to his name, the right-hander has proven himself to be a stalwart of the game. While he may take his time to find his groove, once he does, he's a force to be reckoned with, capable of racking up huge scores. Sadly, he has also suffered the ignominy of being dismissed for a duck on 13 occasions throughout his illustrious career.
7. Ajinkya Rahane: 13 ducks
Ajinkya Rahane was bought by CSK at IPL 2023 mini-auction (IPLT20.com)
Ajinkya Rahane, a seasoned batsman with a cool and collected persona, has long been a rock-solid presence in the batting lineup of any team that he has been a part of. Armed with an impressive repertoire of stroke play, the elegant right-hander has proven time and again that he's a batsman that the team can depend on. Yet, despite his unwavering focus and skill, he has also been dismissed for a duck on 13 occasions, a fact that serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the game.
6. Parthiv Patel: 13 ducks
Parthiv Patel has plied his trade for several franchises (IPLT20.com)
Taking up the sixth spot on the list is the former Indian wicketkeeper-batsman, Parthiv Patel. A veteran of the game, Patel has featured in the IPL since its inception in 2008, donning the jerseys of various teams including the Chennai Super Kings, Deccan Chargers and Mumbai Indians. Often entrusted with opening the innings, Patel's career has seen him dismissed for a duck 13 times, a statistic that belies his undeniable talent and experience.
5. Harbhajan Singh: 13 ducks
Harbhajan is among the few players to play for both MI & CSK (IPLT20.com)
At number five is the inimitable Harbhajan Singh. Widely regarded as one of the greatest off-break bowlers of all time, the "Turbanator" was also a formidable hitter, capable of unleashing devastating strokes at the drop of a hat. With an impressive 163 IPL appearances under his belt, Bhajji has showcased his batting prowess in 90 of those innings, amassing a total of 833 runs at a strike rate of 137.91. However, even the greatest are not immune to the occasional hiccup, and Harbhajan has been dismissed for a duck on 13 occasions
4. Piyush Chawla: 13 ducks
Piyush Chawla is representing MI in IPL 2023 (IPLT20.com)
Storming in at number four is none other than the illustrious leg-break bowler, Piyush Chawla. A stalwart of the game, the spinner has lent his talents to a variety of teams over the years, including KKR, KXIP, CSK, and MI, who he is currently plying his trade for. In addition to his impeccable bowling, Chawla has also showcased his prowess as a handy left-handed batsman, often stepping up to rescue his team from difficult situations. Despite his impressive track record, however, the veteran has also faced the dishonour of being dismissed for a duck a total of 13 times in his 166-match career, a testament to the fickle nature of the sport.
3. Rohit Sharma: 14 ducks
Rohit Sharma's record in the IPL both as a batter and a captain is unparalleled (IPLT20.com)
Blasting his way onto the list at number three is none other than the legendary Rohit Sharma. Although primarily known for his ferocious batting skills, it may come as a surprise to some that Sharma actually began his IPL career as an off-spinner and lower-order batsman for the Deccan Chargers in 2008.
Fast forward to today, and the "Hitman" has cemented his status as an IPL icon, amassing a whopping 5880 runs at an average of 30.15, and leading the Mumbai Indians to an astounding five IPL titles. However, even the greatest are susceptible to the occasional failure, and the Indian veteran has been dismissed for a duck on a total of 14 occasions throughout his glorious IPL career.
2. Dinesh Karthik: 14 ducks
Dinesh Karthik has been playing in the IPL since 2008 (IPLT20.com)
Sailing into the second spot is swashbuckling wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik. Hailing from the cricket-crazy state of Tamil Nadu, the stumper has proved time and again that he possesses the mettle to take charge and steer his team to victory. Often playing the role of a finisher, Karthik has lent his services to various teams in the IPL such as Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Daredevils and Royal Challengers Bangalore. With 231 IPL matches under his belt, Karthik has unfortunately been dismissed for a duck 14 times, the most recent of which was in RCB's IPL 2023's opening match against Mumbai Indians where his wicket was claimed by Cameron Green for a duck.
1. Mandeep Singh: 15 ducks
Mandeep Singh holds the unwanted record of most ducks in IPL history (IPLT20.com)
Securing the top spot with an unenviable record is KKR opener, Mandeep Singh. Known for his explosive batting and dazzling stroke-play, the Jalandhar born batter has plied his trade for multiple teams in the IPL, including Punjab, Delhi, and Kolkata. Having featured in 110 matches, he has, amassed a total of 1694 runs. However, his recent duck in KKR's home fixture against RCB in IPL 2023 has catapulted him to the top of the charts with a record 15 ducks in the tournament, surpassing the likes of Rohit and Karthik.
 "Jatin")
