Karn Sharma: Suryakumar Yadav Tougher to Bowl to Than AB de Villiers

Mumbai Indians spinner Karn Sharma has made a bold comparison between two of modern cricket’s most feared batters—Suryakumar Yadav and AB de Villiers. Speaking on CricXtasy’s The CX Pod, the seasoned leg-spinner revealed that, based on his own experience, Suryakumar is a tougher challenge to bowl to than the former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star.

“Form-wise, Surya is more difficult to bowl to than AB de Villiers,” said Karn, who has bowled to both batters in the Indian Premier League (IPL). “Why? Because Surya can sweep the same ball in four directions. He can hit to the leg side, midwicket, straight, even over covers. That’s what makes it tough. He can hit you out of the park.”

The 37-year-old Railways cricketer emphasized that even top-level spinners struggle to contain Suryakumar. “No matter how good the bowler—Rashid Khan or any top spinner—Surya dominates them,” he said.

In IPL 2025, Suryakumar Yadav, often referred to as SKY, showcased his dominance, especially against spinners. He scored 350 runs in 16 innings at a blistering strike-rate of 163.55 against spin, confirming Karn’s observations. “Spinners fear him,” Karn said. “Because he can sweep and loft over covers. That’s very difficult for any batter to execute consistently.”

Suryakumar finished as Mumbai Indians’ top run-scorer in IPL 2025, racking up 717 runs in 16 matches at a staggering strike-rate of 167.91 and an average of 65.18. His consistency included five half-centuries and played a key role in MI’s journey to the playoffs.

Hardik Pandya’s team overcame Gujarat Titans in the Eliminator but fell short against Punjab Kings in Qualifier 2, bowing out 20 runs short and missing out on a chance at their sixth IPL title.

Interestingly, Karn has his own history with AB de Villiers. Despite facing him across four matches, he has never managed to dismiss the South African legend. In one notable clash during IPL 2014, playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad, Karn dropped a catch when de Villiers was on 30. The RCB batter capitalized on the chance, smashing 89 runs and leading his side to a last-over win.

Reflecting on that moment, Karn had said, “If I had held on to that catch, maybe the game could have swung in our favour. But it is part and parcel of the game.”

While AB de Villiers has retired, the debate over who’s tougher to bowl to continues, and for Karn Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav is currently in a league of his own.