KKR skipper Rahane registers record 12th duck as opener in IPL
Kolkata, April 19
Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Ajinkya Rahane etched his name into an unwanted list, as the opening batter registered the most number of ducks as an opener in the Indian Premier League history.
Continuing his poor run of form, Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane was dismissed for a two-ball duck against Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026 at Eden Gardens on Sunday.
It marked his second successive duck, following a golden duck in KKR's previous match against the Gujarat Titans.
Rahane now has 12 ducks as an opener in the IPL--the most by any batter in that role. Parthiv Patel is the only other opener to have recorded more than 10 ducks in the tournament.
Rahane began his IPL 2026 campaign on a high with a 40-ball 67 against the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium. However, things have gone downhill since, with the KKR skipper managing four single-digit scores in his seven matches so far.
Rahane has made 152 runs in seven fixtures, at an average of 25.33, including a fifty.
Coming to the match, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) bowlers Varun Chakravarthy and Kartik starred with three-wicket hauls apiece to restrict Rajasthan Royals (RR) to a modest 155/9 in their 20 overs in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) clash on Sunday in Kolkata.
Still searching for their first win of the 2026 IPL, KKR will need to chase down 156 in their 20 overs to secure two crucial points and keep their playoff hopes alive.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Form is temporary, class is permanent! He started the season so well with that 67. He just needs one good innings to get his confidence back. We should support our players during tough times. 💪 #BelieveInRahane
This is exactly why I was skeptical about him being captain AND opener. The pressure is too much. Look at the bowling performance today—Chakravarthy and Kartik did brilliantly. The focus should be on chasing this 156, not just on one player's form.
As a neutral fan, it's a strange record to hold. He seems like such a technically sound batter. Maybe he's overthinking it? Hope he turns it around soon, cricket is more fun when all the big names are performing.
Yaar, 12 ducks as an opener! That's a serious stat. Parthiv Patel is the only one close. It's not just bad luck anymore. The management has to take a call. KKR's playoff hopes are hanging by a thread. Can't afford these starts.
Respectfully, I think the criticism is a bit harsh. He's averaging 25 this season, which isn't great but it's not a disaster. The bigger issue is KKR not winning a single match. That's a team failure, not just one man's.
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