Four Cricketers Who Never Got Out for a Duck in ODIs, Including an Indian Star

Cricket is full of records, some of which stand the test of time. One such rare feat is never being dismissed for a duck (zero runs) in One Day Internationals (ODIs). Achieving this is particularly challenging given the pressure to score in every delivery in the limited-overs format. Remarkably, only four cricketers in the history of ODI cricket have maintained this distinction, and the list includes one Indian player.

1. Kepler Wessels

Kepler Wessels is a unique figure in cricket history, having represented both Australia and South Africa. In 109 ODI matches, he amassed 3,367 runs, including 1 century and 26 fifties. His highest score was 107, and he remained not out seven times. Despite his long career, Wessels was never dismissed for a duck, showcasing remarkable consistency at the crease.

2. Yashpal Sharma (India)

Yashpal Sharma, the lone Indian on this exclusive list, played 42 ODIs, scoring 883 runs with 4 half-centuries. His highest score was 89, and throughout his ODI career, he never fell for a duck. This achievement is a proud moment for Indian cricket and highlights Sharma’s reliability as a middle-order batsman.

3. Peter Kirsten (South Africa)

South African batsman Peter Kirsten, despite an international career spanning only three years, made a significant impact. In 40 ODIs, he scored 1,293 runs, including 9 fifties, and remained not out 6 times. His highest score was 97, and like the others, he never got out for zero, maintaining consistency throughout his brief but noteworthy career.

4. Jacques Rudolph (South Africa)

Jacques Rudolph of South Africa also features on this rare list. Over 45 ODIs, he scored 1,174 runs with 7 fifties, achieving a highest score of 81. He remained not out 6 times and impressively never faced dismissal for a duck, cementing his name among the most dependable ODI batsmen.

This elite group of cricketers demonstrates exceptional skill, focus, and temperament, maintaining a record that is almost impossible in modern ODI cricket. Their careers serve as an inspiration for young batsmen aiming for consistency at the international level.