Suryakumar Yadav—popularly known as SKY—has been India’s most explosive and consistent T20I performer in recent years. His unorthodox range, fearless strokeplay, and ability to dominate at No. 3 and No. 4 make him a nightmare for any bowling attack.
Against South Africa, SKY has built an impressive record over multiple series from 2022 to 2025. Whether playing in India, on bouncy tracks in Perth, or in challenging overseas conditions, he has delivered match-winning knocks including a T20I century and multiple blazing half-centuries. Even in the latest 1st T20I at Cuttack in December 2025, he played a short but important hand as captain before India’s bowlers sealed a massive win.
This article breaks down his full stats, match-by-match performances, strike rate records, and his overall impact against South Africa.
Suryakumar Yadav vs South Africa – T20I Overall Stats (Updated)
| Matches | Innings | Runs | Highest Score | Average | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | 14 | 406 | 100 | 31.23 | 156.15 | 1 | 4 |
Suryakumar Yadav Match-by-Match Performance vs South Africa (T20Is)
| Match No. | Ground | Date | Runs | Balls | Strike Rate | Batting Position | How Dismissed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thiruvananthapuram | 28 Sep 2022 | 50* | 33 | 151.52 | 4 | Not Out |
| 2 | Guwahati | 02 Oct 2022 | 61 | 22 | 277.27 | 4 | Run Out |
| 3 | Indore | 04 Oct 2022 | 8 | 6 | 133.33 | 5 | c Stubbs b Pretorius |
| 4 | Perth | 30 Oct 2022 | 68 | 40 | 170.00 | 4 | c Maharaj b Parnell |
| 5 | St George’s Park | 12 Dec 2023 | 56 | 36 | 155.56 | 4 | c Jansen b Shamsi |
| 6 | Wanderers Stadium | 14 Dec 2023 | 100 | 56 | 178.57 | 4 | c Breetzke b Williams |
| 7 | Kensington Oval | 29 Jun 2024 | 3 | 4 | 75.00 | 4 | c Klaasen b Rabada |
| 8 | Kingsmead | 08 Nov 2024 | 21 | 17 | 123.53 | 3 | c Simelane b Kruger |
| 9 | St George’s Park | 10 Nov 2024 | 4 | 9 | 44.44 | 3 | lbw b Simelane |
| 10 | SuperSport Park | 13 Nov 2024 | 1 | 4 | 25.00 | 4 | c Jansen b Simelane |
| 11 | Wanderers Stadium | 15 Nov 2024 | Did Not Bat | — | — | — | — |
| 12 | Barabati Stadium, Cuttack | 09 Dec 2025 | 12 | 11 | 109.09 | 3 | c Markram b Lungi Ngidi |
| 13 | Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium | 11 Dec 2025 | 5 | 4 | 125.00 | 4 | c de Kock b Jansen |
| 14 | Dharamsala | 14 Dec 2025 | 12 | 11 | 109.09 | 4 | c Baartman b Ngidi |
| 15 | Ahmedabad | 19 Dec 2025 | 5 | 7 | 71.42 | 4 | c Miller b Bosch |
(Innings Played = 13)
Performance Highlights
1. One Century and Four Half-Centuries
SKY has scored:
- 1 T20I hundred (100 off 56 at Wanderers)
- 4 explosive fifties, including:
This proves his consistency across different surfaces.
2. Ultra-Aggressive Strike Rates
His overall strike rate vs South Africa is an outstanding 161.34.
Strike rates in standout innings:
- 277.27
- 214.00
- 178.57
- 170.00
Very few batters in world cricket maintain this level of aggression over 10+ innings against the same opposition.
3. Dominant in India + Overseas
From Greenfield Stadium to Perth, Johannesburg and now Cuttack, SKY has adapted seamlessly:
- Plays pace with ease
- Attacks spin with sweep, reverse sweep & lofted shots
- Can absorb pressure and still finish strong
4. Leadership Phase
Several of these games have come during his captaincy phase, including the 1st T20I at Cuttack in December 2025. Even while leading the side, SKY continues to play with the same fearless intent that defines his T20I game.
Read more: Suryakumar Yadav Captaincy Record
Why Suryakumar Yadav Is So Effective Against South Africa
Unpredictable Shot Range
South Africa’s quick bowlers struggle to set a field for SKY’s 360° strokeplay. He can hit over fine leg, point, extra cover or midwicket with equal ease.
Excellent Against Pace and Bounce
Perth (68 off 40) is a perfect example of his class on tough pitches, while his knocks in India and South Africa show how quickly he adjusts to different conditions.
Finisher + Top-Order Impact
Whether at No. 3 or No. 4, he accelerates the innings instantly, keeps the run rate high, and puts bowlers under pressure from the moment he walks in.
Ability to Build Big Innings
His century at Wanderers shows he can convert fast starts into major scores and anchor the innings when needed.
like to know? India vs South Africa Head-to-Head Records
Suryakumar Yadav vs South Africa
SKY’s T20I record against South Africa is among his best vs any major team.
With 401 runs, five 50+ scores (including a 100), and a strike rate above 150, he has dominated the Proteas across multiple series.
This consistency and fearless approach make him one of India’s most valuable T20I players whenever they face South Africa, whether at home or away.
