Scoring match-winning runs is the ultimate goal for any batter in international cricket. However, getting out for a duck marks a low point in a batter’s career, representing a moment they wish to forget. Despite their immense talent, even the best players can experience such unfortunate dismissals. Here’s a look at the players with the most ducks in international cricket history.
Rohit Sharma – 33 ducks
Rohit Sharma has recorded 33 ducks in 513 international innings across 485 matches. In T20Is, he was dismissed without scoring 12 times before retiring at the 2024 T20 World Cup, placing him second for the most ducks in T20I history. In ODIs, he has been out for a duck 16 times. Since debuting in Tests in 2013, he has played 62 matches and failed to score in five innings.
Tamim Iqbal – 36 ducks
Prolific Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal briefly announced his retirement from international cricket in 2023 but reversed the decision after discussions with top officials. While his future with the team remains uncertain, Iqbal has accumulated 36 ducks in his international career since 2007. Out of these, 19 ducks occurred in ODIs from 240 innings, making up more than half of his total scoreless innings.
Virat Kohli – 38 ducks
Among all active international cricketers, no specialist batter has recorded more ducks than Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli. The modern-day legend has accumulated 38 ducks across all formats. Specifically, he has 15 ducks in Tests, 16 in ODIs, and seven in 117 T20I innings. Kohli registered his 38th duck during India’s series-opening Test against New Zealand at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru in October 2024.
Tim Southee – 38
Alongside Virat Kohli, New Zealand paceman Tim Southee has also recorded 38 ducks in international cricket, achieving this in fewer innings—293 compared to Kohli’s 595. As a fast bowler, Southee has been dismissed without scoring 19 times in Tests, 13 times in ODIs, and six times in T20Is. Notably, the New Zealand tailender boasts an impressive strike rate of 82.48 in Test matches, having recorded six fifty-plus scores in his 100-plus appearances in the format.
Ishant Sharma – 40
Indian tailender Ishant Sharma holds the record for the highest number of international ducks among all active players, with 40 dismissals without scoring. Although he last played for India in November 2021, Ishant has not officially announced his retirement and remains a contender for a potential return to the national team. Of his total ducks, 34 have come in Test matches, where he currently ranks fifth for the most scoreless innings in the game’s oldest format.
