In the 2023 World Cup match against Australia in Chennai on October 8, Team India had a disastrous start to their run-chase, being reduced to 2/3 in two overs while chasing a mere 200 for victory. Skipper Rohit Sharma was one of the casualties, dismissed for a duck, along with World Cup debutants Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer. The duo also entered the record books for the unenviable distinction of being out without scoring in their World Cup debut. However, they aren’t alone, as several players, some all-time greats, have started their World Cup careers on a similar note.
Here is a list of five prominent names Include MS Dhoni who were dismissed for a duck in their World Cup debuts.
#1 MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni, one of India’s best white-ball players, had a dismal debut World Cup in 2007. Despite a great start to his ODI career, dhoni scored two ducks in three games and India crashed out in the first round.
However, Dhoni bounced back from this failure and led India to glory in the 2011 World Cup at home. MS Dhoni also had impressive stats in the ODI World Cups, averaging 43.33 with a strike rate of 90 in 29 matches.
#2 AB de Villiers
AB de Villiers, a legendary batter, had a poor World Cup debut in 2007, scoring a duck against the Netherlands. He had a mixed tournament, with four ducks and three 50+ scores in 10 games.
However, he became one of the best players in the World Cup history, scoring 1,207 runs in 23 games at an average of 63.52 and a strike rate of 117.29, with four hundreds.
#3 Ross Taylor
Ross Taylor, a former New Zealand batter, had a duck in his World Cup debut against England in 2007. He was part of a shaky chase of 210, but New Zealand won by six wickets.
Taylor, who just retired, was one of the finest one-day international hitters, with nearly 8,600 runs at an average of 47.55 and 21 hundreds. He also performed admirably in the World Cups, scoring over 1,000 runs and reaching two finals.
#4 Ajinkya Rahane
Ajinkya Rahane, a Test specialist for India, had a golden duck in his World Cup debut in 2015. He came in at No.7 against Pakistan and was out to Sohail Khan. India scored 300/7 and won by 76 runs.
Rahane played only one World Cup in 2015 and had one fifty in eight games at an average of 34.66. He was part of India’s semi-final team.
#5 Pathum Nissanka
Pathum Nissanka, a young star for Sri Lanka, had a duck in his World Cup debut in 2021. He was bowled by Marco Jansen in a chase of 429 against South Africa. Sri Lanka lost by 102 runs.
Nissanka, who has been consistent in ODIs, will be important for Sri Lanka’s semi-final hopes in the World Cup.
