A duck in the debut match can often shake a batter’s confidence and often end a career prematurely. However, there are players who recovered from the early disaster and went on to have great careers.
Here we will discuss the five batters whose beginning of One Day International (ODI) careers was marked by a faltering start – a duck in their debut innings. But, they turned things around and altered the course of cricketing history.
Shikhar Dhawan
Shikhar Dhawan began his One Day International (ODI) journey on a challenging note, making his debut against Australia in October 2010, only to bag a duck in the second ball he faced. However, Dhawan’s fortunes shifted during the Caribbean tour in June 2011, where he marked his second ODI innings with a half-century.
The turning point came in the ICC Champions Trophy 2013, where Dhawan not only registered his maiden ODI century but also claimed the tournament’s highest run-scorer title (363 runs), earning him the Player of the Tournament award. His consistent performances often saw him top the Indian team’s run charts.
With 167 ODIs under his belt, Dhawan boasts 6793 runs at an impressive average of 44.11, including 17 centuries and 39 half-centuries, solidifying his place among India’s top ODI openers.
Shoaib Malik
Shoaib Malik, the former Pakistan captain, commenced his ODI journey in 1999 against West Indies in Sharjah. His debut match against Sri Lanka saw him scoring a duck in the 10th spot.
Nevertheless, Malik’s batting prowess was unveiled on February 15, 2002, against West Indies, where he notched a commendable unbeaten 111 off 130 balls.
As his career progressed, Malik amassed 7534 runs in 287 ODIs (258 matches) with an average of 34.55. He carved a niche with nine centuries and 44 half-centuries in addition to claiming 158 wickets as an off-spinner.
Kane Williamson
Kane Williamson, current captain of New Zealand, faced a turbulent start to his ODI career, bagging ducks in his initial two matches in August 2010.
Despite these setbacks, Williamson found redemption by scoring his maiden ODI century in his fourth innings.
As his journey unfolded, Williamson emerged as one of the premier batsmen in international cricket, amassing 6810 runs in 165 ODIs at an exceptional average of 48.64, showcasing his potential with 13 centuries and 45 half-centuries.
MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni, legendary Indian captain, encountered a forgettable ODI debut against Bangladesh in 2004, being run out on his very first delivery. His initial four innings failed to cross the 15-run mark.
However, on April 5, 2005, Dhoni displayed his mettle by smashing a spectacular 148 against Pakistan in Visakhapatnam. Dhoni’s disciplined approach saw him grow into a cricketing icon.
With an illustrious ODI career of 350 matches, Dhoni amassed 10773 runs at an impressive average of 50.57, including 10 centuries and 73 half-centuries.
He captained India to multiple triumphs, including the ICC World T20 2007, ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, and ICC Champions Trophy 2013.
Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar, the legendary Indian batsman, faced a rocky beginning in his ODI journey, scoring ducks in his first two matches against Pakistan and New Zealand in 1989-1990.
Gradually ascending from a middle-order batsman to an ODI opener, Tendulkar revolutionized Indian cricket history with his legendary career.
Tendulkar became one of the greatest ODI openers and broke most of the batting records in international cricket history. While he scored his first ODI century in his 76th innings, he finished his ODI career with a record number of 49 centuries and 96 half-centuries.
His milestone 49 centuries and 96 half-centuries, along with 18426 runs in 463 ODIs, stand as a testament to his monumental impact on the game.
Despite their rocky starts, these legends epitomize the unwavering spirit that propelled them from ducks on debut to crafting storied careers that shaped the way ODI cricket’s future.
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