Virat Kohli’s recent performance in the first Test against New Zealand has sparked conversations about his batting form, particularly after he was dismissed for a nine-ball duck. This dismissal not only left the crowd at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in shock but also marked his 38th international duck, tying him with New Zealand’s Tim Southee for the most ducks among active players.

Kohli’s struggle continued as he edged a delivery from William O’Rourke, leading to a catch by Glenn Phillips at leg gully. This incident has reignited discussions about Kohli’s recent form and his place in cricket history.

Most ducks by an active player in international cricket

1. Virat Kohli: A star in decline?

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Kohli’s statistics are still impressive, with 27,041 runs across formats at an average of 53.23 over his career. However, his recent performance has raised concerns. The nine-ball duck was particularly disappointing as it was his first duck in Tests in 32 innings, and it coincided with his return to the No. 3 position after eight years. Despite being one of cricket’s modern greats, this record of ducks threatens to overshadow his achievements.

Also READ: Fans troll Virat Kohli as the Indian batter goes for a 9-ball duck in Bengaluru Test against New Zealand

2. Tim Southee: The unwanted rival

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Southee, the New Zealand pacer, also shares this dubious honour with Kohli, having recorded 38 ducks in his career. With 3,158 runs at an average of 14.09, Southee is primarily known for his bowling prowess rather than his batting skills. His ability to contribute runs has been limited, making him a valuable bowler but placing him on this unwanted list alongside Kohli.

3. Rohit Sharma: The captain’s struggles

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India’s captain Rohit Sharma follows closely behind with 33 ducks. With a total of 19,276 runs at an average of 43.02, Rohit has been a key player for India across formats. However, like Kohli, he has faced challenges in maintaining consistency at the crease, especially under conditions with seam and swing.

4. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami: The bowling duo

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Other notable players on the list include Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami. Bumrah has recorded 26 ducks while contributing significantly as a bowler since 2016, accumulating a mere 378 runs with an average of 7.13. Similarly, Shami has also struggled with batting consistency, having scored 970 runs at an average of 10.65 and recording 25 ducks.

Future prospects for Kohli

As Kohli navigates this challenging phase in his career, the pressure to perform will only intensify. His return to No. 3 was seen as strategic; however, this latest setback raises questions about whether he can reclaim his status among cricket’s elite batters.

While Virat Kohli’s nine-ball duck may overshadow some of his remarkable achievements, it serves as a reminder of sports’ unpredictable nature. The journey ahead will be crucial for him as he seeks to redefine his legacy and continue contributing to Indian cricket at the highest level.

Also READ: IND vs NZ: Twitter roasts KL Rahul for his 6-ball duck on Day 2 of the Bengaluru Test

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