Ducks the dreaded zero are the most humbling moments in a batter’s career, and in the Indian Premier League (IPL), they’re even more glaring. In a tournament celebrated for towering sixes, blazing centuries, and unforgettable finishes, getting out without scoring stands out for all the wrong reasons. It’s not just a number, it’s a silent walk back to the pavilion, a missed opportunity, and often, a momentum shift.
From flamboyant openers to middle-order power-hitters, no one is immune to the dreaded golden duck. Over 18 seasons, several big names have racked up surprising numbers of ducks, proving that even legends can have their off days. Let’s explore the players with the most ducks in IPL history from 2008 to 2025, and break down how and why they found themselves on this unwanted list.
5. Rashid Khan – 16 Ducks
Widely regarded as one of the greatest T20 bowlers of all time, Rashid Khan has dazzled fans with his leg-spin wizardry and electric fielding. However, when it comes to batting, the Afghan all-rounder has often found himself on the wrong end of the scoreboard quite literally.
While Rashid is not primarily known for his batting, he has been used as a lower-order hitter tasked with scoring quick runs at the death. This high-risk role, combined with limited opportunities to settle at the crease, has led to a surprisingly high number of ducks in his IPL career. Often coming in when the team is either collapsing or chasing a daunting total, Rashid’s aggressive approach frequently results in early dismissals.
Rashid Khan IPL Duck Stats:
| Season | Team(s) | Ducks |
|---|---|---|
| 2017–2021 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 6 |
| 2022–2025 | Gujarat Titans | 10 |
| Total | 16 |
4. Sunil Narine – 17 Ducks
A magician with the ball, Sunil Narine has often surprised fans with his batting experiments. As a pinch-hitter for the Kolkata Knight Riders, Narine was occasionally promoted up the order, sometimes even opening the innings. While this move occasionally paid off with explosive starts, it also resulted in many quick dismissals.
Though Narine’s contribution to KKR’s success is unquestionable, his batting gamble has cost him several ducks over the years, especially when bowlers exploited his limitations against spin and swing.
Sunil Narine IPL Duck Stats:
| Season | Team (KKR only) | Ducks |
|---|---|---|
| 2012–2016 | Lower-order batter | 3 |
| 2017–2020 | Used as an opener | 6 |
| 2021–2025 | Mixed roles | 8 |
| Total | 17 |
3. Dinesh Karthik – 18 Ducks
A veteran of the league, Dinesh Karthik has represented six different franchises and played various roles: opener, finisher, and wicketkeeper. Known for his adaptability and sharp glove work, DK also holds the unwanted record of the third-most ducks in IPL history.
Often coming in during crunch moments, especially as a designated finisher, Karthik had limited time to settle in. This high-risk role frequently placed him in difficult situations, contributing to his high duck tally.
Dinesh Karthik IPL Duck Stats:
| Season | Team(s) | Ducks |
|---|---|---|
| 2008–2011 | Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) | 3 |
| 2012–2014 | Mumbai Indians | 4 |
| 2015 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 2 |
| 2016–2017 | Gujarat Lions | 1 |
| 2018–2021 | Kolkata Knight Riders | 3 |
| 2022–2024 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 5 |
| Total | 18 |
2. Rohit Sharma – 18 Ducks
One of the most successful captains in IPL history and a seasoned opener for both Mumbai Indians and Team India, Rohit Sharma’s name atop this list might surprise many. With over 6000 IPL runs to his name, Rohit has been a pillar of consistency. However, his aggressive start-of-innings style often comes with risks, leading to frequent early dismissals.
Especially in the last few seasons (2021–2025), Rohit faced some lean patches, and opposition bowlers often targeted him with swing early on. While he’s gifted with sublime timing, the hunger to dominate the Powerplay sometimes led to ill-timed shots and early exits.
Rohit Sharma IPL Duck Stats:
| Season | Team | Ducks |
|---|---|---|
| 2008–2010 | Deccan Chargers | 2 |
| 2011–2025 | Mumbai Indians | 16 |
| Total | 18 |
3. Glenn Maxwell – 19 Ducks
An entertainer by instinct and a match-winner on his day, Glenn Maxwell’s IPL journey has been a rollercoaster of brilliance and inconsistency. His high-octane approach makes him a valuable asset, but also leads to frequent failures.
The Australian all-rounder is often entrusted with changing the game’s momentum. But when it doesn’t click, he becomes an easy target for critics. Especially during his initial years and a few underwhelming seasons with Punjab Kings, Maxwell’s duck tally rose significantly.
Glenn Maxwell IPL Duck Stats:
| Season | Team(s) | Ducks |
|---|---|---|
| 2012–2013 | Delhi Daredevils | 1 |
| 2014–2017 & 2025 | Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) | 6 |
| 2021–2024 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 12 |
| Total | 19 |
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