Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane became the latest batter to add an unwanted landmark to the IPL record books on Sunday, registering the most ducks by an opener in the league’s history. In KKR’s meeting with the Rajasthan Royals at Eden Gardens, Rahane was out for 0 off just two balls in the second over, mistiming a delivery from Nandre Burger that was taken by wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel. The dismissal was Rahane’s 12th duck as an opening batter in IPL cricket, moving him past Parthiv Patel’s tally of 11 and extending a concerning run of form at the top of the order.
Rahane’s IPL opener record and recent form
The wicket ended Rahane’s second consecutive scoreless outing. He had previously been dismissed for a golden duck against the Gujarat Titans in KKR’s prior fixture, turning back-to-back failures into a worrying pattern early in the season.
- Ajinkya Rahane: 12 ducks as an opener in the IPL
- Parthiv Patel: 11 ducks as an opener in the IPL
- Shikhar Dhawan: 10 ducks as an opener in the IPL
- Gautam Gambhir: 10 ducks as an opener in the IPL
- David Warner: 9 ducks as an opener in the IPL
Rahane had started IPL 2026 on a brighter note, striking 67 from 40 balls against the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium. Since then, his returns have dipped sharply, with four single-digit scores in seven matches. Across those seven games, he has accumulated 152 runs at an average of 25.33, including one half-century.
Match situation at Eden Gardens
- Rajasthan Royals were set to bat first in the ongoing IPL contest in Kolkata.
- KKR’s bowlers, led by Varun Chakravarthy and Kartik, delivered key spells, each taking three wickets.
- RR were restricted to 155/9 from their 20 overs.
- KKR now face a chase of 156 in 20 overs to stay in the hunt for the playoffs.
- With KKR still searching for their first win of IPL 2026, the target represents a must-convert opportunity for two crucial points.
As KKR look to close the gap, the pressure is on Rahane and the top order to turn the innings around early and keep their playoff hopes alive against a Royals side that finished with 155/9 on the board.
