Golden Duck in 🏏

A golden duck in cricket is referred to when a batsman gets out on the very first ball they face without scoring any runs. It is considered as one of the most embarrassing and disappointing dismissals for a batsman.

The term "golden duck" is believed to have originated from the gambling game of "duck hunting". In this game, the object is to shoot a duck before it flies away. The odds of hitting a duck on the first shot are very low and considered lucky. Hence, the first shot that kills a duck is known as the "golden duck".

In cricket, getting out on a golden duck is the worst possible start for a batsman, as it not only loses the team a wicket but also puts pressure on the next batsman who has to come out to bat. A golden duck can also affect the mental state of a batsman and can result in them making rash decisions or playing too aggressively too soon.

There have been many records related to golden ducks in cricket. Suresh Raina holds the record for the most number of golden ducks in IPL (indian primier leauge), with a total of 8. Similarly, Suriya Kumar Yadav holds the record for the most number of golden ducks in a single IPL season, with a total of 3 in IPL 2015.

Golden ducks are not limited to just the player's lowest score. It can also happen to big names in cricket. For instance, during the 2011 world cup final, Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan was out on the very first ball he faced, giving him a golden duck. Similarly, in a test match against England in 2019, Indian skipper Virat Kohli was also sent back to the pavilion on the very first ball of his innings, earning him a golden duck.

In conclusion, while a golden duck may be the most unwanted and embarrassing dismissal in cricket, it is also an essential part of the game. A batsman must overcome the psychological setback and learn from their mistake to improve their performance in upcoming matches.