When Was Virat Kohli’s Last Duck in an IPL Run Chase? – A Detailed Review
Virat Kohli’s Chase Legacy and the Unexpected Duck
Virat Kohli has become synonymous with successful run chases in the Indian Premier League (IPL). His ability to steer Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) through high‑pressure situations has earned him a reputation for composure and consistency. When a low score occurs in a chase, it immediately draws scrutiny, and the recent two‑ball duck against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in 2026 was no exception.
The 2026 Duck: A Quick Recap
During RCB’s match against LSG at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, Kohli opened the innings but lasted only two deliveries. Prince Yadav, the Delhi pacer, delivered a sharp nip‑backer that clipped the off‑stump, dismissing Kohli for a golden duck in the second over. The target was a steep 213 runs in a rain‑affected 19‑over contest, and the early wicket sent a ripple through the stadium and the cricketing world.
When Was the Previous Duck?
Kohli’s last duck in an IPL chase dated back to 2017, when RCB faced Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens. That match is infamous for RCB’s dramatic collapse to 49 all out while chasing 132. Kohli fell first ball to Nathan Coulter‑Nile, marking a golden duck that contributed to the lowest team total in IPL history. The 2017 incident remains a painful chapter for the franchise, despite the presence of stalwarts like Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers.
A Nine‑Year Duck‑Free Streak
From that 2017 debacle, Kohli went nearly nine years without a duck in a chase—a testament to his reliability under pressure. The 2026 dismissal therefore broke a remarkable streak and reignited discussions about his chase record. It also marked Kohli’s 11th duck overall in IPL history and his first zero score since April 23 2023, when he was dismissed first ball by Trent Boult against Rajasthan Royals.
Impact of the Duck on Kohli’s Chase Reputation
Even with this recent setback, Kohli’s overall chase statistics remain extraordinary. Throughout his IPL career, he has amassed thousands of runs, consistently finishing matches for RCB. Ducks in run chases are rare for him, which is why each occurrence garners significant attention. The 2026 duck is noteworthy not only for ending the nine‑year duck‑free run but also because it occurred against a rising pace talent, highlighting the ever‑evolving challenge faced by even the most seasoned batters.
Key Moments from Both Duck Incidents
- 2017 – KKR vs RCB (Eden Gardens): Kohli dismissed first ball by Nathan Coulter‑Nile; RCB bowled out for 49, the lowest total in IPL history.
- 2026 – LSG vs RCB (Ekana Stadium): Kohli dismissed on the second ball by Prince Yadav; RCB chased a revised target of 213 in 19 overs.
Why the Duck Matters in the Bigger Picture
The rarity of Kohli’s ducks in chases amplifies their significance. Each duck becomes a reminder that cricket is unpredictable and that even elite players can be humbled by a perfect delivery. For fans and analysts, these moments provide valuable data points to assess form, pitch conditions, and the impact of emerging bowlers.
Looking Forward
As the IPL season progresses, Kohli’s focus will be on rebuilding momentum and converting his chase expertise into match‑winning performances. The cricketing community will be watching closely to see how quickly he recovers from this early setback and whether he can continue to be the chase master he has been celebrated as for over a decade.
Conclusion
Virat Kohli’s two‑ball duck against LSG in 2026 reignited memories of the 2017 49‑all collapse, underscoring how rare and impactful such dismissals are in his chase‑centric career. While the duck temporarily halted an impressive nine‑year streak, it also highlighted the evolving challenges within the IPL and reinforced the notion that even legends are vulnerable to the perfect ball.
Stay tuned for live updates and further analysis as RCB aims to bounce back from this setback and continue its pursuit of IPL glory.
