The King Pair is one of the rarest and most embarrassing records in Test cricket. While a standard duck, which scores zero, is a bad thing for any batsman, a King Pair occurs when a batter gets dismissed for a golden duck (first-ball duck) in both innings of a Test match. Getting out without scoring a run can, for once, be overlooked, but doing so on the first delivery of both innings is one of any batter’s worst fears. The unwanted record is unusual and humiliating.

Notably, Test cricket has seen nearly 2,500 matches since its inception in 1877, yet only 25 players have ever scored a King Pair. The first cricketer to face this fate was William Attewell of England, who was out on the first ball in both innings against Australia in Sydney in 1892.

Indian cricketers with the King Pair in Test Cricket.

Meanwhile, the Indian squad, which is recognised for producing world-class batters, has had similar experiences with their players on several times. Only three of India’s 317 cricketers in this style have ever experienced a King Pair. The first was scored by famous leg-spinner Bhagwat Chandrasekhar against Australia in 1977.

The next one was Ajit Agarkar, a former pace bowling all-rounder and current national team chief selector, who recorded a King Pair against Australia in Melbourne in 1999. Notably, Chandrasekhar did the same on the same pitch and against the same opponents 22 years ago. The most recent addition to the list was famous opener Virender Sehwag, who played against England in Edgbaston, Birmingham in 2011.

List of Players to record King Pair in Test cricket