Suryakumar Yadav etched his name in T20I history by becoming the joint-fastest Indian to reach 2000 runs, matching the record set by Virat Kohli. Suryakumar achieved this feat against South Africa in the 2nd T20I at St. George's Park, Gqeberha, Port Elizabeth on Tuesday evening.
The accomplished 33-year-old reached the landmark his 56th innings, tying Kohli's milestone reached in 2018 against England.
In the absence of senior players, Suryakumar has taken on leadership responsibilities and recently played a pivotal role in India's series win against Australia, scoring 144 runs and emerging as the second-highest run-scorer in the series.
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However, his effort was not enough against South Africa as the Proteas marched to their revised target of 152 in 15 overs with five wickets to spare.
Facing an early setback with both openers dismissed for ducks, Suryakumar showcased his batting prowess alongside Tilak Varma, rebuilding the Indian innings. He needed only 15 runs before the Gqeberha match to reach the 2000-run landmark.
What a start for SKY 🔥
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 12, 2023
After a sublime cover drive, @surya_14kumar executed his trademark shot for a maximum 🙌
Tune-in to the 2nd #SAvIND T20I
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Suryakumar reached his 50 in 29 balls, smashing five boundaries and three sixes, that propelled India beyond the 100-run mark.
The Mumbai Indians batter joins an elite group as the fourth Indian batter to reach 2000 T20I runs, following Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and KL Rahul.
Currently ranked as the No.1 batter in T20Is, Suryakumar's impactful innings and leadership make him a crucial asset for the Indian cricket team.
Who are the top 10 fastest batsmen to reach 2000 runs in T20I?
| Player | Opposition | Ground | Match Date | Debut | Time | Match | Inns |
| Babar Azam (PAK) | v Zimbabwe | Harare | 25 Apr 2021 | 7 Sep 2016 | 4y 230d | 54 | 52 |
| Mohammad Rizwan (PAK) | v England | Karachi | 20 Sep 2022 | 24 Apr 2015 | 7y 149d | 63 | 52 |
| V Kohli (IND) | v England | Manchester | 3 Jul 2018 | 12 Jun 2010 | 8y 21d | 60 | 56 |
| SA Yadav (IND) | v South Africa | Gqeberha | 12 Dec 2023 | 14 Mar 2021 | 2y 273d | 59 | 56 |
| KL Rahul (IND) | v Australia | Mohali | 20 Sep 2022 | 18 Jun 2016 | 6y 94d | 62 | 58 |
| AJ Finch (AUS) | v England | Southampton | 4 Sep 2020 | 12 Jan 2011 | 9y 236d | 62 | 62 |
| Virandeep Singh (MAL) | v Oman | Kirtipur | 30 Oct 2023 | 24 Jun 2019 | 4y 128d | 65 | 64 |
| BB McCullum (NZ) | v Netherlands | Chattogram | 29 Mar 2014 | 17 Feb 2005 | 9y 40d | 67 | 66 |
| MJ Guptill (NZ) | v Pakistan | Mount Maunganui | 28 Jan 2018 | 15 Feb 2009 | 8y 347d | 70 | 68 |
| Mohammad Shahzad (AFG) | v Namibia | Abu Dhabi | 31 Oct 2021 | 1 Feb 2010 | 11y 272d | 68 | 68 |
What next for Suryakumar Yadav?
Suryakumar will be back in action in the final T20I against South Africa on Thursday at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg.
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