RAHUL DRAVID-- "THE WALL"

AND OTHER BATSMANS WHO DODGED DUCK

SARASIJ MAJUMDER

 

If you played Cricket, you must know  the sinking feeling of a batsman dismissed for a duck - a scoreless outing. But imagine an entire international career defying this dreaded fate! Today, we talk about the Indian batsman who never succumbed to a golden duck, yet playing all the three FORMATS!

Cricket boasts numerous special records celebrated globally, from most centuries to hat-tricks. Yet, there's one record that often escapes the limelight – the feat of never being out on zero throughout one's international career. This achievement is rare, and among the elite cricketers who have accomplished it, there are Six Batsman in all. Two of them are Indians.

To clarify this unique record, it's essential to establish a parameter, such as a minimum number of innings played.

Zero couldn’t touch them.  The Wall off course  Stood Tallest. And then, there are a few  others. 

NUMERO UNO:

The First answer to this cricketing riddle is none other than the legendary one down Batsman  Rahul Dravid. Nicknamed "The Wall" for his rock-solid defence and phenomenal concentration, Dravid boasts an incredible record - he never got out for a duck in his entire international career! And across all formats (Test, ODI, T20).

A Mountain of Runs, But No Room for Zeros

Across a distinguished career spanning 164 Tests, 344 ODIs, and even a solitary T20I, Dravid compiled a staggering amount of runs:

• Tests: 13,288 runs with 36 centuries and 63 fifties
• ODIs: 10,889 runs with 12 centuries and 83 fifties

Remarkably, not a single duck blemishes this otherwise exemplary record.

The Secret of Dravid's Success:

So, what made Dravid such a duck-dodging maestro?

• Impeccable Technique: Dravid's textbook batting technique minimized the risk of dismissal early in his innings.
• Patience is a Virtue: He was known for his patient approach, waiting for scoring opportunities rather than taking unnecessary risks.
• Mental Fortitude: Dravid's legendary focus and mental strength helped him weather the early storm of an innings.

·         A  super Masterclass in Batting Consistency. Gold Standard in Batsmanship.

Dravid's achievement is more than just a quirky statistics. It's a testament to his exceptional batting consistency, ability to handle pressure, and a deep understanding of the game.

NEXT IN LINE:--

Brijesh h Patel stands tall as the Second Name on the list. Notably, Brijesh Patel served as the IPL Chairman from 2019 to 2022. With 47 innings for India between 1974 and 1979, he was really very good.. His impressive batting record includes 1215 runs at an average of 29.63, with a highest score of 115 not out in 21 Tests and 10 ODIs. No Golden Duck!

OTHERS:-

The Third and Fourth names on this exclusive list are James Burke (44) of Australia and Amal Rajeevan (42) of Tanzania. Notably, Agha Salman of Pakistan and Herbert Collins of Australia also share this distinction. Agha Salman, a Pakistani team member, boasts 1155 runs in 34 innings, including two centuries and eight half-centuries, without ever being out on zero. Meanwhile, Herbert Collins, who played 19 Tests between 1920-1926, amassed 1352 runs in 31 innings, averaging 45.06 with four centuries and an impressive record of never being out on zero.

There are some more names, but they played a smaller number of Matches.

This unique record adds a fascinating dimension to the rich history of cricket.

 Reference:--

WISDEN.

Image:- Google.