Most Ducks for IPL: A Deep Dive Into the Least Wanted Record

 

In the grand spectacle of the Indian Premier League (IPL), fans often celebrate centuries, match-winning spells, and game-changing fielding efforts. However, there’s another list — less glamorous but equally telling — of players who have registered the most ducks for IPL. While scoring a duck (getting out without scoring a run) is part and parcel of cricket, frequent appearances on this list can reveal unique insights about a player’s consistency, batting position, and pressure-handling abilities.

Let’s explore the statistics of players who top the charts for the most ducks for IPL, analyzing their careers, contributions, and how often they’ve walked back for a zero.

Glen Maxwell: An Explosive Batsman With the Most Ducks for IPL

Glen Maxwell, the Australian power-hitter known for his dynamic strokeplay, surprisingly tops the list for the most ducks for IPL. Despite having a stellar strike rate of 155.14 and scoring 2,819 runs across 141 matches, Maxwell has been dismissed without scoring 19 times. His aggressive approach, often adopted from the very first ball, sometimes proves to be a double-edged sword.

Player Profile:

PlayerGJ MaxwellSpan2012–2025Matches141Innings135Runs2819Highest Score95Average23.88Strike Rate155.14Ducks19

Despite this, Maxwell remains one of the most impactful middle-order players. But his inclusion in the most ducks for IPL club underscores the risks involved with high-octane play.

Dinesh Karthik: A Veteran Finisher With 18 Ducks

Dinesh Karthik, a veteran of the IPL and one of the most experienced Indian cricketers, is second on the list with 18 ducks. His career spans over 17 years, featuring stints with several franchises like DC, MI, KKR, and RCB. Known for his finishing abilities and explosive lower-order cameos, Karthik has been a crucial cog in many teams.

Player Profile:

PlayerKD KarthikSpan2008–2024Matches257Innings234Runs4842Highest Score97*Average26.31Strike Rate135.36Ducks18

His appearance in the most ducks for IPL list may surprise some, but with the high-risk role of a finisher, failures are bound to happen more frequently.

Rohit Sharma: An IPL Legend with 18 Ducks

Rohit Sharma, one of the most decorated captains and top-order batsmen in IPL history, has also been dismissed for a duck 18 times. Despite this, he has amassed over 7,000 runs and led Mumbai Indians to multiple titles. His position in the most ducks for IPL list is a testament to the unpredictable nature of cricket.

Player Profile:

PlayerRG SharmaSpan2008–2025Matches272Innings267Runs7046Highest Score109*Average29.73Strike Rate132.09Ducks18

Despite the ducks, Rohit’s overall consistency and success speak volumes, showing that even the best have their off days.

Sunil Narine: The Pinch-Hitter With 17 Ducks

West Indian mystery spinner Sunil Narine, who has evolved into a fearless pinch-hitter for KKR, has 17 ducks to his name. His unconventional approach at the top, swinging from ball one, has often led to quick dismissals.

Player Profile:

PlayerSP NarineSpan2012–2025Matches189Innings122Runs1780Highest Score109Average17.62Strike Rate166.51Ducks17

Being among the players with the most ducks for IPL, Narine represents the all-or-nothing approach often adopted by teams looking for quick starts.

Rashid Khan and Piyush Chawla: Surprise Entries With 16 Ducks Each

Both Rashid Khan and Piyush Chawla are renowned more for their bowling than batting. However, their roles at the tail-end have frequently seen them dismissed cheaply, leading to 16 ducks each.

Player Profiles:

PlayerRashid KhanPP ChawlaSpan2017–20252008–2024Matches136192Innings6892Runs585624Strike Rate160.27110.83Ducks1616

Both have played crucial roles with the ball, but their presence in the most ducks for IPL statistics highlights their vulnerability with the bat.

Mandeep Singh: A Domestic Talent With 15 Ducks

Mandeep Singh, a domestic star with over 1,700 IPL runs, has also found himself dismissed for a duck 15 times. Despite his talent and technique, inconsistency has haunted his career.

Player Profile:

PlayerMandeep SinghSpan2010–2023Matches111Innings98Runs1706Average20.80Strike Rate122.91Ducks15

His position in the most ducks for IPL table is reflective of a career filled with promise but punctuated by regular failures.

Manish Pandey and Ambati Rayudu: Middle-Order Anchors With 14 Ducks Each

Both Manish Pandey and Ambati Rayudu have been reliable middle-order batsmen. Their presence in the most ducks for IPL list (with 14 ducks each) shows how even seasoned batters can go through lean patches.

Player Profiles:

PlayerMK PandeyAT RayuduSpan2008–20252010–2023Matches174204Innings162187Runs39424348Strike Rate121.51127.54Ducks1414

Their careers have included memorable innings, but also enough lows to place them among those with the most ducks for IPL.

Harbhajan Singh: A Bowler With 13 Ducks

Known for his fiery bowling and occasional six-hitting flair, Harbhajan Singh has accumulated 13 ducks during his IPL tenure. While not expected to score heavily, his batting records still find him listed among the most ducks for IPL.

Player Profile:

PlayerHarbhajan SinghSpan2008–2021Matches163Innings90Runs833Average15.71Strike Rate137.91Ducks13

Even lower-order players like Harbhajan contribute to the narrative of the most ducks for IPL, showing the wide range of players this record touches.

The Price of High-Stakes Cricket

The most ducks for IPL is a list no player wants to top, yet it forms a crucial part of the tournament’s statistical fabric. From explosive openers to gritty finishers, and even legendary bowlers, no one is immune from the duck. It’s a reminder that in the fast-paced T20 format, risk-taking is essential — and sometimes, it doesn’t pay off.

The presence of top players like Maxwell, Rohit Sharma, and Dinesh Karthik in this list shows that even greats have off days. However, their overall contributions far outweigh the failures, making them legends of the game regardless of how many times they’ve had to walk back without troubling the scorers.

As the IPL continues to evolve, more names will join the list of players with the most ducks for IPL — some surprising, others expected. Either way, it adds another fascinating layer to this thrilling cricketing carnival.