Test cricket is known for its endurance, technique, and skill. While centuries and match winning spells are celebrated, there are also stats that reflect the game’s harsh realities. One such statistic is the number of Most Ducks in Test History when a batsman gets out without scoring a single run.
Even some of the greatest Indian cricketers have fallen for a duck multiple times. This article explores the top 10 Indian players with the Most Ducks in Test History, using simple English, unique sentence structures, and detailed stat tables for each player.
List of 10 Indian Cricketers with the Most Ducks in Test History
10. Kapil Dev
Kapil Dev, India’s World Cup winning captain in 1983, had a shining Test career filled with match winning performances. Known for his aggressive style, he didn’t shy away from taking risks. But sometimes, this bold approach led him to get out without scoring Most Ducks in Test History.
In his 13 match Test career, Kapil was dismissed for a duck 16 times. Still, his contributions with both bat and ball made him one of India’s greatest all rounders.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Span | 1978–1994 |
| Matches | 131 |
| Innings | 184 |
| Not Outs | 15 |
| Runs | 5248 |
| Highest Score | 163 |
| Batting Avg | 31.05 |
| Balls Faced | 5192+ |
| Strike Rate | 79.33 |
| 100s | 8 |
| 50s | 27 |
| Ducks (0s) | 16 |
| Fours | 557+ |
| Sixes | 61 |
9. Virender Sehwag
Virender Sehwag was one of the most fearless openers India has produced. His aggressive batting meant he often took risks from the very first ball. But this boldness also led to frequent dismissals for zero Most Ducks in Test History.
Despite his 16 ducks in 103 Tests, Sehwag’s powerful batting gave India many memorable wins, including two triple centuries.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Span | 2001–2013 |
| Matches | 103 |
| Innings | 178 |
| Not Outs | 6 |
| Runs | 8503 |
| Highest Score | 319 |
| Batting Avg | 49.43 |
| Balls Faced | 10346 |
| Strike Rate | 82.18 |
| 100s | 23 |
| 50s | 31 |
| Ducks (0s) | 16 |
| Fours | 1219 |
| Sixes | 90 |
READ MORE: Top 10 Highest Scorers on Test Debut in Cricket History
8. Anil Kumble
Anil Kumble, one of India’s finest bowlers, wasn’t famous for his batting. While he did score one Test century, he mostly batted lower in the order and often got out quickly. He had 17 Most Ducks in Test History in his career.
Still, his impact as a match-winner with the ball far outweighed any batting failures.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Span | 1990–2008 |
| Matches | 132 |
| Innings | 173 |
| Not Outs | 32 |
| Runs | 2506 |
| Highest Score | 110* |
| Batting Avg | 17.77 |
| Balls Faced | 6455 |
| Strike Rate | 38.82 |
| 100s | 1 |
| 50s | 5 |
| Ducks (0s) | 17 |
| Fours | 302 |
| Sixes | 9 |
7.Mohammed Shami
Mohammed Shami is a brilliant fast bowler but often finds batting tough. In Test cricket, he has already been out for zero 18 times Most Ducks in Test History. Despite this, he’s known to hit a few big shots now and then.
His main job has always been with the ball, and he has delivered many match-winning spells for India.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Span | 2013–2023 |
| Matches | 64 |
| Innings | 89 |
| Not Outs | 27 |
| Runs | 750 |
| Highest Score | 56* |
| Batting Avg | 12.09 |
| Balls Faced | 1005 |
| Strike Rate | 74.62 |
| 100s | 0 |
| 50s | 2 |
| Ducks (0s) | 18 |
| Fours | 83 |
| Sixes | 25 |
6. Harbhajan Singh
Harbhajan Singh, also known as “The Turbanator,” was known for his fiery spells and emotional celebrations. He played a few good knocks, including two centuries, but still ended up with 19 ducks in his career Most Ducks in Test History.
While he tried to swing the bat in the lower order, it often resulted in quick dismissals.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Span | 1998–2015 |
| Matches | 103 |
| Innings | 145 |
| Not Outs | 23 |
| Runs | 2224 |
| Highest Score | 115 |
| Batting Avg | 18.22 |
| Balls Faced | 3432 |
| Strike Rate | 64.80 |
| 100s | 2 |
| 50s | 9 |
| Ducks (0s) | 19 |
| Fours | 277 |
| Sixes | 42 |
5. Bishan Singh Bedi
Bishan Singh Bedi was a legendary spinner during the 60s and 70s. But his batting was never his strength. He scored just one half century in his career and had 20 Most Ducks in Test History.
Still, his spin bowling was world-class and helped India win many matches.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Span | 1966–1979 |
| Matches | 67 |
| Innings | 101 |
| Not Outs | 28 |
| Runs | 656 |
| Highest Score | 50* |
| Batting Avg | 8.98 |
| Balls Faced | 600+ |
| Strike Rate | 43.16 |
| 100s | 0 |
| 50s | 1 |
| Ducks (0s) | 20 |
| Fours | 51+ |
| Sixes | 3 |
4. Bhagwat Chandrasekhar
Chandrasekhar was a genius with the ball but had very little to offer with the bat. He was usually the last man in the batting lineup and was dismissed for zero 23 times Most Ducks in Test History.
Even though he had a very low batting average, his leg-spin magic won India many matches.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Span | 1964–1979 |
| Matches | 58 |
| Innings | 80 |
| Not Outs | 39 |
| Runs | 167 |
| Highest Score | 22 |
| Batting Avg | 4.07 |
| Balls Faced | 345+ |
| Strike Rate | 19.42 |
| 100s | 0 |
| 50s | 0 |
| Ducks (0s) | 23 |
| Fours | 12+ |
| Sixes | 0 |
3. Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah is one of the most dangerous bowlers in the world today. But with the bat, he still struggles. With 27 ducks in 46 matches Most Ducks in Test History, he has the third most for India.
While batting might not be his strength, his bowling performances are enough to win games for India.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Span | 2018–2025 |
| Matches | 46 |
| Innings | 71 |
| Not Outs | 22 |
| Runs | 332 |
| Highest Score | 34* |
| Batting Avg | 6.77 |
| Balls Faced | 748 |
| Strike Rate | 44.38 |
| 100s | 0 |
| 50s | 0 |
| Ducks (0s) | 27 |
| Fours | 35 |
| Sixes | 11 |
2. Zaheer Khan
Zaheer Khan was a consistent performer with the ball but had limited success with the bat. He got out for a duck 29 times, which is the second-highest for India.
Despite this, Zaheer played crucial innings when needed, and his bowling record speaks volumes.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Span | 2000–2014 |
| Matches | 92 |
| Innings | 127 |
| Not Outs | 24 |
| Runs | 1231 |
| Highest Score | 75 |
| Batting Avg | 11.95 |
| Balls Faced | 2381 |
| Strike Rate | 51.70 |
| 100s | 0 |
| 50s | 3 |
| Ducks (0s) | 29 |
| Fours | 141 |
| Sixes | 28 |
READ MORE: Top 10 Batsmen with the Most Centuries in Test Cricket History
1. Ishant Sharma
Ishant Sharma holds the record for the Most Ducks by an Indian in Test history 34 in 105 matches. His long career and role as a lower-order batsman made him face tough bowling conditions often.
Though he struggled with the bat, Ishant’s contributions as a bowler were vital to India’s overseas success.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Span | 2007–2021 |
| Matches | 105 |
| Innings | 142 |
| Not Outs | 47 |
| Runs | 785 |
| Highest Score | 57 |
| Batting Avg | 8.26 |
| Balls Faced | 2568 |
| Strike Rate | 30.56 |
| 100s | 0 |
| 50s | 1 |
| Ducks (0s) | 34 |
| Fours | 88 |
| Sixes | 1 |
Ducks may be embarrassing, but they’re part of every cricketer’s journey especially tail enders. These players contributed immensely with the ball and played vital roles in Indian Most Ducks in Test History. The number of ducks doesn’t reduce their greatness it just shows the unpredictable nature of the game.