4 bowlers who dismissed Virat Kohli for a golden duck in Test cricket

In the '90s, Sachin Tendulkar was considered the best batsman in the world across formats. Then came a young gun in 2008 who had just made his international debut and was hungry for runs. Eleven years have passed since then, but not much has changed except that he has gone on to become the best batsman of this era with no signs of giving up. Yes, he is our very own ‘King’ who is also the captain of India, Virat Kohli.

Virat Kohli has been impeccable across formats and has been every bowler’s nightmare. In ODIs and T20s, his consistency and adaptability are second to none. When it comes to Tests, even though he averages over 50, he has been caught wanting against balls that move away from him early in the innings. Few bowlers have tried this at the start of his innings and have found success. To substantiate this, he has nine ducks in 135 innings which tells you that he makes you pay if you don’t attack him from the 1st ball.

Only on four occasions, bowlers have been lucky enough to send the big man back to the dressing room on his first ball. It’s time we take a look at those four bowlers who have dismissed Virat for a golden duck.

#1 Ben Hilfenhaus

Ben Hilfenhaus (R)

After a decent outing in 2008, India were back Down Under to play the hosts in Tests and T20s. With the first Test played at the majestic MCG, the series was set for a tough battle. Australia won the toss and opted to bat. With contributions from Ed Cowan and Ricky Ponting, they put on 333 on board.

In reply, India just managed 282 despite contributions from Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, and Rahul Dravid. With a lead of 51 runs, the Kangaroos set a challenging target of 292 runs with almost five sessions remaining. Chasing, India found themselves in deep trouble losing four wickets for just 68 runs. Kohli came in at six and was looking to get some runs behind his back. But fate had different plans as he was trapped in front of the very first ball off Ben Hilfenhaus. It was the first time that the stalwart was out for a golden duck in his career.

#2 Liam Plunkett

Liam Plunkett

After a 4-0 drubbing in 2011 and a shocking 2-1 defeat at home in 2012, the Indians were itching to avenge the losses against England on their home turf in 2014. But there was a sense of instability with new faces in the batting as well as the bowling line up. But players like Gautam Gambhir, Murali Vijay, Virat Kohli had the experience of playing on foreign soil. The first Test held at Trent Bridge saw both teams playing well leading to a draw on the final day. All eyes were on the second Test at Lord's.

Meanwhile, Kohli who was the best Indian batsman was seen struggling with moving ball, falling both the times to Stuart Broad in the first Test. His poor form continued in the second Test, this time falling to Broad's partner-in-crime James Anderson in the first innings. When he came to bat in the third innings, India were comfortably placed at 118 for 2. But the demons weren’t gone yet as he was cleaned up off the very first delivery by Liam Plunkett. He had a forgettable tour as he finished with 134 runs in 10 innings.

#3 Stuart Broad

Stuart Broad

Unlike the previous years, India played the T20s and ODIs before the Tests to acclimatize to the conditions in 2018 led by Virat Kohli. By now, Virat had Test centuries in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and was looking to silence his critics. In the very first Indian innings of the first Test, Kohli went on to score his first hundred on England soil.

His form continued as he notched up a half-century in the second innings but was unable to take the team home. He had scores of 23,17,97,103,46 and 58 in the next six innings. Despite his efforts, India were 3-1 down with a Test remaining. England batted well in both the innings and set a humongous target of 464 to chase. India were in deep trouble when they lost Shikhar Dhawan and Cheteshwar Pujara early. The captain came in with a deep ocean to cross. Ironically, he fell on the very first ball nick to Stuart Broad. A 204-run partnership between KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant kept India in the hunt but the target proved to be to steep as England beat India by 118 runs.

#4 Kemar Roach

Kemar Roach

After a semi-final debacle in the 2019 World Cup, India were set to tour West Indies to play the hosts in all formats. Virat Kohli and co were looking to continue their dominance against the Windies. They comfortably won the T20 and the ODI series with the captain leading from the front. The two-match Test series that was part of the Test championship which contributed for 120 points was up for grabs. The 1st Test was dominated by Ajinkya Rahane’s exquisite touch and Jasprit Bumrah’s match-winning spell.

Moving on to the 2nd game, Kohli and Mayank Agarwal scored the fifties while Hanuma Vihari got to his maiden ton in the first innings. West Indies were bundled out in a quick time giving the visitors a massive lead of 299 runs. Trying to get some quick runs, openers fell early playing loose shots. Kohli who came in at four, followed them back to pavilion when he edged one to Hamilton off Kemar Roach on the very first delivery, thus earning a golden duck for the 4th time in his career.