Suryakumar Yadav (PTI Photo)
Mumbai Indians' star batter Suryakumar Yadav has etched his name in the IPL history books yet again, this time by surpassing South African legend AB de Villiers to become the highest run-scorer by a non-opener in a single edition of the Indian Premier League. The milestone was achieved during the IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 clash between Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, where both teams are fighting for a spot in the final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
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Coming into the match, Suryakumar had already amassed 673 runs in 15 innings, averaging a stunning 67.30 with a strike rate of 167.83, including five half-centuries and a top score of 73*.
Just 15 more runs were enough for him to eclipse AB de Villiers' 673-run tally from the 2016 season, which the RCB great had achieved in 16 innings with a century and six fifties at an average of 52.84 and a strike rate of 168.79.
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What sets Suryakumar's run apart is not just the numbers, but the manner in which he has scored them and particularly his fearless use of the sweep and reverse sweep against both spin and pace.Quiz: Who's that IPL player?
Most runs by a non-opener in an IPL season
691* Suryakumar Yadav (2023)687 AB de Villiers (2016)684 Rishabh Pant (2018)622 Kane Williamson (2018)605 Suryakumar Yadav (2023) Despite this remarkable feat, Suryakumar still has his eyes on a bigger prize.
He now needs 87 more runs to surpass Gujarat Titans' opener Sai Sudharsan, who currently holds the Orange Cap with 759 runs in 15 matches, averaging 54.21 with a century and six fifties.With the toss going in PBKS’ favour as they chose to bowl first, Suryakumar Yadav walked out under pressure but with history within touching distance. In surpassing AB de Villiers, he has not only reaffirmed his stature as one of the league's finest but also kept MI’s hopes alive in this knockout clash. All eyes now remain on whether the in-form batter can push further and chase down Sai Sudharsan’s Orange Cap tally and more importantly, carry Mumbai into yet another IPL final.
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