By being the fastest Indian player to reach 4,000 runs in the history of the IPL, Suryakumar Yadav has once again lit up the stage. The Mumbai Indians star beat players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Shikhar Dhawan, who needed a lot more innings to accomplish the same achievement, by reaching the milestone in just 123 innings. With a scorching strike rate of over 140+ and an average of almost 32, SKY, who is renowned for his creative shot selection and 360-degree play, makes this record even more remarkable. Suryakumar’s journey from homegrown talent to India’s T20 backbone is about more than simply runs; it’s about reinventing contemporary T20 batting.
In Match 45 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on April 27 (Sunday), Suryakumar Yadav became the third-fastest to 4,000 runs in terms of balls faced in the tournament. SKY needed 33 runs to reach the 4,000-run mark, and the right-hander got there with a four off Avesh Khan. Suryakumar got to 4,000 IPL runs off 2,714 deliveries, only behind AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle (both 2,658 deliveries).
The Evolution of SKY
Suryakumar’s scoring style is what distinguishes him, not simply how quickly he scores. His transition from a good middle-order batsman for the Kolkata Knight Riders to the star of the Mumbai Indians batting lineup is astounding.
SKY’s game has advanced to an elite level after he joined the Mumbai Indians in 2018. He has been a reliable player in the top order, frequently using daring strokeplay to flip games around. Few players can match SKY’s artistry in T20 batting, whether it’s his signature scoop over fine leg or his graceful smashes over the covers.
Fastest to reach 4000-run mark in the IPL (by balls)
In just 2714 balls, Suryakumar Yadav became the third-fastest batsman to reach the 4000-run mark in the IPL. The record for scoring 4,000 runs in the fewest deliveries is held by South African star AB de Villiers, who is followed by Chris Gayle, the opener for the West Indies. Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina is ranked fifth in the top five, while Australian batsman David Warner is ranked fourth.
| S. No. | Player | Balls Faced |
| 1 | AB de Villiers | 2658 |
| 2 | Chris Gayle | 2658 |
| 3 | Suryakumar Yadav | 2714 |
| 4 | David Warner | 2809 |
| 5 | Suresh Raina | 2881 |
Highest SR among Indians in IPL (at least 4000 runs)
Suryakumar Yadav is unmatched by any other Indian hitter in the IPL in terms of impact and strike rate. With an incredible strike rate of 144+ and more than 4000 IPL runs, SKY has completely changed the definition of a middle-order enforcer. Suryakumar, in contrast to conventional accumulators, not only scores runs but does it quickly and recklessly, frequently turning games around in a matter of overs. His flair, daring, and effectiveness are unmatched by any Indian player who has scored more than 4000 runs.
| S. No. | Player | Strike Rate |
| 1 | Suryakumar Yadav | 147 |
| 2 | Sanju Samson | 139 |
| 3 | MS Dhoni | 138 |
| 4 | Suresh Raina | 137 |
| 5 | KL Rahul | 136 |
Elite Company, One Step Ahead
Before SKY’s heroics, Virat Kohli held the distinction of reaching 4000 runs in 135 innings, followed by Shikhar Dhawan (137 innings) and Rohit Sharma (140 innings). Suryakumar’s ability to maintain a high scoring rate while delivering match-winning performances has been instrumental in this achievement.
| Player | Innings to 4000 IPL Runs | Average | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suryakumar Yadav | 123 | ~32 | 147 |
| Virat Kohli | 135 | 37.25 | 130.41 |
| Shikhar Dhawan | 137 | 35.20 | 127.14 |
| Rohit Sharma | 140 | 30.29 | 130.20 |
The SKY is the Limit
Suryakumar is 33 and doesn’t appear to be slowing down. This accomplishment further solidifies his status as India’s most potent T20 batter, especially with the T20 World Cup rapidly approaching. He is a unique asset in the Indian cricket setup because of his capacity for innovation, adaptation, and ball-one attack. It is not only a celebration of numbers when Suryakumar Yadav lifts his bat after 4000 IPL runs; it is also a celebration of a player who has revolutionised contemporary T20 batting. With SKY, the possibilities are endless; the sky is only the beginning.
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