Maintaining a spotless record without a single duck against a formidable side like Australia is no small feat
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is one of cricket's most intense rivalries, featuring the mighty clash between India and Australia. This year, the battle will resume from November 2024 to January 2025 as India tours Australia for a much-awaited five-match Test series and three warm-up matches. The series also contributes crucial points toward the 2023–2025 ICC World Test Championship. Over the years, India's top-order has played a vital role in their Test success against Australia. Interestingly, a handful of players have managed an impressive feat: never being dismissed for a duck against the Aussies.
Sunil Gavaskar and Syed Kirmani score centuries in the sixth Test against Australia in 1979 (🎥:⬇️) pic.twitter.com/dcPYDXxyA8
— Anish Desouza (@ilegally_indian) November 5, 2023
Syed Kirmani, fondly known as 'Kiri', is often hailed as India's finest wicketkeeper. Kirmani's keeping prowess was unmatched, making him a key figure in the Indian team. He played 17 Tests against Australia, scoring 757 runs at an average of 36.00. His consistent batting ensured he never fell for a duck in 24 innings. His highest score came at the Wankhede Stadium in 1979, where he smashed an unbeaten 101* with 17 boundaries, leading India to an emphatic win by an innings and 100 runs.
Mohammad Azharuddin's exquisite wristwork made him a sight to behold, especially against Australia. Despite criticism for his technique against short-pitched bowling, Azhar's instinctive strokeplay shone through. In Tests against Australia, he played 15 matches, amassing 780 runs at an average of 39.00. Azhar never got out for a duck in 23 innings. His best performance came at Eden Gardens in 1998, where he scored a masterful 163* with 18 boundaries and three sixes, helping India secure a memorable victory by an innings and 219 runs.
Rishabh Pant's fearless batting has earned him a stellar reputation against Australia. In just seven Tests, all played on Australian soil, Pant scored 624 runs in 12 innings at an impressive average of 62.40. He has never been dismissed for a duck against the Aussies, showcasing his resilience. Pant's breakthrough came during the 2020-21 series, where his aggressive counter-attacks turned the tide in India's favour. His memorable knock of 159 at Sydney solidified his place as India's premier Test batter. With the upcoming series, fans hope Pant will continue his streak of no ducks against Australia.
Shubman Gill made a striking Test debut against Australia in Melbourne in 2019. As part of a young Indian squad, Gill played a vital role in securing a historic 2-1 series victory. He scored 259 runs in three matches in his first series, averaging 51.80 with two half-centuries. So far, in six Tests against Australia, Gill has scored 444 runs at an average of 44.40, including one century. Remarkably, he has never been dismissed for a duck in his 11 innings. His highest score came in the 2023 Ahmedabad Test, where he made a stylish 128 runs, leaving fans eager for his performances in the upcoming series.
Ravi Shastri's contributions to Indian cricket are invaluable as a resilient batter and a reliable left-arm spinner. Against Australia, Shastri was a pillar of consistency, never falling for a duck in his ten innings. He scored 622 runs at an astonishing average of 77.75. His most iconic performance came in Sydney in 1992, where he made a double-century against an attack featuring a young Shane Warne. Shastri's 206, studded with 17 boundaries and a six, remains among the most memorable knocks against the Aussies.
