New Delhi: Getting dismissed for a “duck” (zero runs) is arguably the most frustrating moment for any batsman. However, in the unpredictable realm of One Day International (ODI) cricket, a select group of players has managed to achieve the extraordinary feat of never returning to the pavilion without opening their account. Avoiding a duck throughout an ODI career is a testament to a batter’s consistency, solid technique, and ability to absorb pressure from the very first ball.
According to a report by ABP News, the record for playing the most ODI innings without a single duck is held by former cricketer Kepler Wessels. Wessels, who holds the unique distinction of playing international cricket for both Australia and South Africa, batted in 105 ODI innings. Throughout his career, he amassed 3,367 runs without ever falling for naught.
Among active cricketers, New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell is currently leading the pack. Mitchell has batted in 57 ODI innings, scoring 2,811 runs, and has kept his duck-free streak alive. Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha closely follows, having played 45 innings and accumulated 1,566 runs without a zero against his name.
For Indian cricket fans, the late Yashpal Sharma remains the solitary icon to dominate this rare list. A crucial member of the 1983 World Cup-winning squad, Sharma played 40 ODI innings between 1978 and 1985. He scored 883 runs during his career and proudly holds the national record of never being dismissed for a duck. Following him among Indians is active all-rounder Washington Sundar, who has currently batted 23 ODI innings without a duck.
South African cricketers feature prominently in this elite club. Peter Kirsten matched Yashpal Sharma’s tally by playing 40 innings and scoring 1,293 runs without a duck. His compatriot, Jacques Rudolph, batted in 39 innings, scoring 1,174 runs while keeping the unwanted record at bay.
Other notable international names who managed to avoid the dreaded duck include Ireland’s Curtis Campher (39 innings), former Australian spinner Nathan Hauritz (32 innings), USA’s Gajanand Singh (32 innings), England’s former wicketkeeper Jack Russell (31 innings), and the Netherlands’ Tom Cooper (31 innings).
While modern cricket heavily focuses on strike rates and centuries, this rare record highlights the underappreciated virtue of sheer survival and consistency at the crease.