List Of IPL Players With Most Ducks: The Unwanted Record

The Harsh Reality of IPL Cricket

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has long been a stage where batting greatness is measured with towering sixes, elegant cover drives, and match-winning knocks. It is a spectacle of power-hitting where fans expect fireworks every single ball. However, amidst the glamour of exquisite stroke-play, there lies a more somber statistic that haunts even the most prolific run-getters: the dreaded ‘duck’.

While it is common to associate scoreless outings with lower-order tailenders, the reality of T20 cricket is far more unforgiving. High-risk batting approaches often lead to early dismissals, meaning that even experienced veterans with lengthy careers eventually accumulate an unwanted tally of zeros. Understanding this List Of IPL Players With Most Ducks provides a fascinating glimpse into the volatility of the shortest format of the game.

The 16-Duck Club: Piyush Chawla and Rashid Khan

Occupying the third tier of this list are two of the most respected spinners to ever grace the IPL: Piyush Chawla and Rashid Khan, both sharing a total of 16 ducks.

Piyush Chawla, a veteran of 16 seasons, registered his 16 ducks across 92 innings. Having represented four different franchises, his role was primarily that of a bowler, yet he managed 624 runs at an average of 11.14. Despite his struggles with the bat, Chawla remains a legendary figure in the tournament, particularly remembered for his decisive cameo in the 2014 final for Kolkata Knight Riders.

Rashid Khan, the Afghan spin sensation, has also tallied 16 ducks in his storied career from 72 innings. Unlike traditional tailenders, Rashid is often entrusted with quick-fire cameos at the death. His strike rate of 157.36 demonstrates his aggressive intent, even if that high-risk approach has occasionally led to his dismissal without scoring.

The 18-Duck Stalwarts: Dinesh Karthik and Sunil Narine

Moving up the list, we find two KKR icons, Dinesh Karthik and Sunil Narine, both reaching the mark of 18 ducks.

Dinesh Karthik, a quintessential IPL journeyman, played a staggering 257 matches over 17 seasons. His 18 ducks must be contextualized against his massive contribution of 4,842 runs. As a wicketkeeper-batter who represented multiple franchises, his longevity is a testament to his adaptability, even if the occasional zero appeared on his scorecard.

Sunil Narine presents a different case entirely. A ‘pinch-hitter’ extraordinaire, his 18 ducks have come in just 126 innings. Since his debut in 2012, Narine has been a pivotal force for KKR, often asked to provide explosive starts. His capability is proven by his 165.30 strike rate and his record of seven fifties and a century, proving that for players like him, high-risk batting is part of the job description.

The Top of the Unwanted List: Rohit Sharma and Glenn Maxwell

At the pinnacle of this list, sharing the unenviable record of 19 ducks, are two absolute legends of the game: Rohit Sharma and Glenn Maxwell.

Rohit Sharma, one of the two players in history to aggregate over 7,000 IPL runs, shows how even the most technically gifted openers can fall prey to the new-ball pressure. His 19th duck came during the IPL 2026 season against Jofra Archer, marking a low point in his illustrious career. Having played 276 innings, his record highlights the sheer volume of cricket he has played at the highest level.

Glenn Maxwell, the Australian power-hitter, tops this list with 19 ducks in just 135 innings. On average, Maxwell records a duck roughly once every seven innings. This high frequency reflects his ‘boom or bust’ style. While his three seasons of high-volume scoring (2014, 2021, and 2023) cement his status as a match-winner, his presence on this list is a direct consequence of his relentless pursuit of boundaries from the very first delivery.

Conclusion

Being on the List Of IPL Players With Most Ducks is clearly not a measure of a player’s lack of talent; rather, it is a byproduct of the high-pressure, high-risk nature of T20 cricket. Whether it is an opener facing the new ball or a death-overs specialist swinging for the fences, the ‘duck’ is an occupational hazard that every IPL hero must learn to accept.