Explore the intriguing world of cricket's top "Duck Kings" in our latest listicle. Unveiling the top 5 Indian players who have notched up the highest number of ducks (0s) across all international formats, this compilation dives into the statistical quirks of these players.
From nerve-wracking moments to unexpected twists, discover the fascinating tales behind their prolific duck-scoring records. Join us as we unravel the stories of these cricketers who have mastered the art of facing a challenging start, making their mark in the unique realm of cricket's zero heroes.
#5. Sachin Tendulkar (34 ducks)
Sachin Tendulkar, revered as the "God of Cricket," holds a unique record in international cricket as a specialist batter for India. Sharing the position for the joint-most ducks in international cricket for India with Virat Kohli, both legends have accumulated 34 ducks each.
Tendulkar's illustrious career spans over 24 years, during which he showcased his exceptional skills in more than 460 matches across all formats. Beyond the statistical milestones, Tendulkar's influence transcends cricket, leaving an indelible mark on the sport's history and etching his name among the all-time greats.
#4. Anil Kumble (35 ducks)
Anil Kumble, the iconic former Indian spinner and national team head coach, secures the 4th position on an unconventional list due to his knack for getting dismissed without scoring. While he notably contributed with the bat, particularly memorable knocks against England in 2007, Kumble's primary identity remains that of an exceptional bowler.
However, his illustrious career, marked by 35 ducks, emphasises the challenges he faced while batting in the lower order. Beyond his achievements as a player, Kumble's influence has extended into coaching, cementing his legacy as a stalwart figure in Indian cricket.
#3. Harbhajan Singh (37 ducks)
Harbhajan Singh, the former Indian spinner, finds himself among the select few on the undesirable list of prolific duck-scorers. Occupying the 3rd position, he has accumulated 37 ducks (0s) throughout his cricketing journey.
Despite this statistical quirk, Harbhajan Singh boasts a versatile career, marked by notable achievements such as scoring two centuries in Test cricket. Beyond the zeros, his cricketing legacy reflects a dynamic player who has contributed significantly to the sport, showcasing both resilience and prowess in different facets of the game.
#2. Ishant Sharma (40 ducks)
Renowned Indian fast bowler Ishant Sharma boasts the unique distinction of holding the second-highest number of ducks in international cricket for India. Throughout his illustrious career, Ishant has faced the ignominy of being dismissed without scoring on 40 occasions, securing his place in cricket's Duck Hall of Fame.
Beyond his bowling prowess, this statistic adds an intriguing layer to Ishant Sharma's cricketing journey, showcasing the unpredictable nature of the sport and the challenges even seasoned players like him face with the bat in hand.
#1. Zaheer Khan (44 ducks)
Zaheer Khan, a stalwart of Indian cricket, showcased his all-round skills, proving to be a valuable lower-order batsman in his illustrious career. Despite his cricketing prowess, he holds the less glamorous record of accruing the highest number of ducks (44) among Indian players in international cricket.
A remarkable bowler, Khan faced a peculiar challenge with three consecutive ODI ducks from November 2003 to March 2004, adding an unexpected facet to his cricketing journey. Despite the ducks, Zaheer Khan remains a revered figure for his significant contributions to India's bowling arsenal during his tenure in international cricket.