The record for the most ducks in international cricket is held by a tailender with 40 dismissals without scoring. Several other cricketers have accumulated significant across all formats, particularly in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, highlighting their struggle with consistency.
Rohit Sharma – 33 Ducks
Rohit Sharma has accumulated 33 times in 513 international innings across 485 matches. In T20Is, he was dismissed for 12 times before retiring at the 2024 T20 World Cup, ranking second for the most in T20I history. In ODIs, he has been dismissed for a duck 16 times. Since his Test debut in 2013, he has played 62 matches and been out for a duck in five innings.
Tamim Iqbal – 36
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 in his international career since 2007. Out of these, 19 occurred in ODIs from 240 innings, making up more than half of his total scoreless innings.
Virat Kohli – 38
Among all active international cricketers, no specialist batter has recorded more than Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli. The modern-day legend has accumulated 38 across all formats. Specifically, he has 15 in Tests, 16 in ODIs, and seven in 117 T20I innings. Kohli registered his 38 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 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 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 , 34 have come in Test matches, where he currently ranks fifth for the most scoreless innings in the game’s oldest format.
| Player | Total Ducks | Ducks in Tests | Ducks in ODIs | Ducks in T20Is | Innings Played | Matches Played | Notable Facts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rohit Sharma | 33 | 5 | 16 | 12 | 513 | 485 | Second most ducks in T20Is |
| Tamim Iqbal | 36 | – | 19 | – | – | – | 19 ducks in ODIs out of 240 innings |
| Virat Kohli | 38 | 15 | 16 | 7 | 595 | – | 38 ducks across all formats |
| Tim Southee | 38 | 19 | 13 | 6 | 293 | – | Most ducks among fast bowlers; impressive Test strike rate |
| Ishant Sharma | 40 | 34 | – | – | – | – | Highest number of ducks among active players |
