In a recent T20I showdown between India and Australia, vice-captain Ruturaj Gaikwad found himself in a rare and unfortunate category, becoming the third Indian player to encounter a ‘diamond duck.’ While cricket enthusiasts are familiar with terms like ducks and golden ducks, the ‘diamond duck’ is a unique dismissal that occurred during the opening game of the five-match T20I series with Australia.
Gaikwad’s dismissal unfolded when opener Yashasvi Jaiswal called for a run but later signaled ‘no.’ The delayed call left Ruturaj stranded midway, resulting in a run-out without facing a single legal delivery.
According to ICC rules, a ‘diamond duck’ occurs when a batter is dismissed without scoring a run and without facing a single legal delivery. This rare dismissal typically happens in cases of run-outs or if the batter obstructs the field without having faced a ball.
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s recent ‘diamond duck’ makes him the third Indian player to experience this unfortunate dismissal in T20Is. He joins the ranks of Amit Mishra and Jasprit Bumrah, who previously faced this unique fate against different opponents.
1. Ruturaj Gaikwad: Australia (2023)
2. Jasprit Bumrah: Sri Lanka (2016)
3. Amit Mishra: England (2017)
Golden Duck: A batsman dismissed for the very first ball of the innings without scoring.
Silver Duck: Out after facing just two deliveries without opening the scoring.
Bronze Duck: Dismissed for zero after facing only three deliveries.
Royal Duck: Reserved for the opening batsman getting out for a duck in the first delivery during The Ashes series (Australia vs. England).
Laughing Duck: Occurs when a batsman is out for a duck, and the innings conclude with his wicket.
A Pair: Getting out in both innings of the same match.
King Pair: Dismissed for golden ducks in both innings of the same match.
Batting Hattrick: Dismissed thrice in three consecutive Test innings.
