In the ongoing T20I series between India and South Africa, the Indian spinner Varun Chakravarthy achieved a remarkable bowling feat in the second match at St George’s Park, Gqeberha. Although India lost the match by a narrow margin of three wickets, right-arm leg spinner Chakravarthy stole the spotlight with a sensational five-wicket haul, showcasing his mastery over the art of spin bowling. Chakravarthy’s brilliance adds to a growing list of Indian bowlers who have recorded five-wicket hauls in T20I matches against South Africa.
Here are the three Indian bowlers who have taken five-wicket hauls against South Africa in T20IsÂ
3. Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s match-winning spell in Johannesburg, 2018
The first Indian to claim a five-wicket haul against South Africa in T20Is was Bhuvneshwar Kumar. His exceptional performance came during the first match of a three-game T20I series held in Johannesburg in February 2018. Bhuvneshwar’s precise right-arm medium-fast bowling dismantled South Africa’s batting line-up, as he took five wickets for just 24 runs in his four-over spell. His efforts led India to a 28-run victory, and he was rightfully awarded the Player of the Match. This achievement not only set a benchmark for Indian bowlers in T20Is but also showcased Bhuvneshwar’s skill and control in challenging conditions.
Also READ: SA vs IND: Fans brutally troll Abhishek Sharma for his flop show with the bat in the 2nd T20I
2. Varun Chakravarthy’s spin masterclass in Gqeberha, 2024
In the ongoing T20I series, Chakravarthy stunned the South Africa team with a remarkable five-wicket haul in the second match at St George’s Park in Gqeberha. Conceding just 17 runs at an economy of 4.20, the 33-year-old spinner captivated fans with his spin prowess, making him the series’ leading wicket-taker with a total of eight wickets from the first two matches. Chakravarthy’s performance has been a highlight of the series so far, with Indian fans eagerly hoping for more magical spells from the seasoned spinner in the remaining matches.
1. Kuldeep Yadav’s record-breaking spell in Johannesburg, 2023
Another Indian spinner, Kuldeep Yadav, made history by claiming five wickets in the third T20I of a three-match series against South Africa in December 2023. Yadav’s left-arm spin proved lethal as he dismantled the South African batting order, taking five wickets for 17 runs in just 2.5 overs. This stellar performance not only secured a 106-run victory for India but also tied the series 1-1. Kuldeep’s figures remain the best by any Indian bowler against South Africa in T20Is, cementing his place as a standout performer in Indian cricket.