Ajinkya Rahane Sets Unwanted IPL Record

KOLKATA-Kolkata Knight Riders opener Ajinkya Rahane endured another disappointing outing in IPL 2026, registering a two-ball duck and becoming the player with the most ducks as an opener in tournament history during the match against Rajasthan Royals at Eden Gardens on April 19.

Rahane fell early in Kolkata Knight Riders’ chase of 156 when Rajasthan Royals fast bowler Nandre Burger dismissed him in the second over. Attempting to cut a short delivery outside off stump, Rahane edged the ball behind to Rajasthan Royals wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel, who completed the catch.

The early wicket left Kolkata Knight Riders two down within the first eight balls of the innings.

The dismissal was Rahane’s second consecutive duck this season and his 12th as an opener in IPL history, taking him past former India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel, who had 11 ducks as an opener.

Rahane now moves ahead of former India opener Shikhar Dhawan, former Kolkata Knight Riders captain Gautam Gambhir and former Australia opener David Warner on the unwanted list.

Rahane’s scores this season now read 67, 8, 8 not out, 41, 28, 0 and 0, reflecting an inconsistent campaign at the top of the order. (IANS)