The Indian Premier League (IPL) is not just about massive sixes and breathtaking centuries. Sometimes, it’s also about unfortunate records, like getting out without scoring a single run, better known as a “duck.” While the league has seen many batting legends shine, even the best have faced moments of disappointment. Today, we look at the top 5 batsmen with the most ducks in IPL history till 2025.
What is a Duck in Cricket? 🦆
In cricket, a “duck” refers to a batsman getting out without scoring any runs. Whether it’s the first ball or the 50th, if the batsman fails to open their account, it’s a duck. In a high-stakes league like the IPL, a duck can be disheartening—not just for the player but also for the team and its fans.
Why Ducks Are So Significant in IPL?
The IPL is a platform where performance is everything, and every run counts. A single duck can alter a player’s confidence, team dynamics, and even the outcome of a match. That’s why ducks in IPL have always caught the attention of fans and analysts alike.
Let’s now dive into the list of players who, despite being legends in their own right, top the list of most ducks in IPL history till 2025.
1. Glenn Maxwell – 19 Ducks in 134 Matches 😮
The Australian powerhouse Glenn Maxwell is known for his explosive batting and match-winning abilities. However, his IPL career has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. Despite his ability to change games single-handedly, Maxwell holds the unfortunate record of having the most ducks in IPL history, with 19 ducks in 134 matches.
📝 Fun Fact:
Maxwell is often sent in during pressure situations, which may have contributed to this tally. Nevertheless, his match-winning knocks have overshadowed most of these failures.
2. Dinesh Karthik – 18 Ducks in 234 Matches 🧤
A veteran of the game, Dinesh Karthik has played over 230 IPL matches and has been part of multiple franchises. Known for his calm demeanor and finishing skills, Karthik has also been dismissed for a duck 18 times.
🔍 Analysis:
While his consistency has been commendable, his tendency to bat lower down the order in death overs exposes him to high-risk situations, resulting in frequent ducks.
3. Rohit Sharma – 18 Ducks in 258 Matches 🏆
One of India’s greatest batsmen and the most successful IPL captain, Rohit Sharma, surprisingly finds himself tied for the second-most ducks in IPL history with 18 ducks in 258 matches.
🔥 Did You Know?
Rohit often opens the innings, facing the best bowlers with the new ball. His aggressive approach sometimes leads to early dismissals, contributing to his duck count.
4. Sunil Narine – 17 Ducks in 116 Matches 🎯
Primarily known for his mystery spin, Sunil Narine has also played some memorable cameos with the bat. But his aggressive batting at the top as a pinch hitter has come at a price—17 ducks in 116 matches.
🎲 Risk vs Reward:
Narine is sent to open the innings to make quick runs. While this tactic has worked occasionally, it also leads to frequent early dismissals.
5. Piyush Chawla – 16 Ducks in 92 Matches 🎳
The leg-spinner Piyush Chawla rounds off the list with 16 ducks in just 92 matches, which is quite high given the number of games. As a lower-order batsman, Chawla often faces challenging scenarios, leading to this high duck count.
👇 Observation:
Chawla’s role has always been with the ball, but whenever required to bat, he’s often found himself walking back to the pavilion without troubling the scorers.
Read More: Top 5 Batsmen with Most Ducks in IPL History Till 2025
IPL Ducks Table: Top 5 Batsmen (Till 2025)
| Rank | Player | Matches | Ducks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Glenn Maxwell | 134 | 19 |
| 2️⃣ | Dinesh Karthik | 234 | 18 |
| 2️⃣ | Rohit Sharma | 258 | 18 |
| 4️⃣ | Sunil Narine | 116 | 17 |
| 5️⃣ | Piyush Chawla | 92 | 16 |
Are Ducks Really That Bad?
While fans may troll players for scoring ducks, it’s crucial to understand that cricket is a game of uncertainty. Even legends have bad days. What matters is how a player bounces back—and every name on this list has done that time and again.
Why These Stats Matter for Fantasy Players & Analysts 📊
Knowing which players frequently get out early helps fantasy league participants and cricket analysts alike. If you’re building a Dream11 team or analyzing player performance trends, duck statistics can provide key insights.
Final Thoughts: Records Are a Part of the Game
While no batsman wants to be on this list, it’s important to remember that these players are also match-winners. Their inclusion here only highlights the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket and the high-risk, high-reward dynamics of the IPL.
Sources:- Sports Samrath
Sources:- Wikipedia
