The India vs South Africa T20I rivalry is always a thrilling contest, marked by fierce battles and nail-biting moments. South Africa awaits its maiden ICC trophy, while India has already won four. Both teams showcase exceptional cricketing talent, creating an electrifying atmosphere on the field. Both nations have produced some extraordinary talents since the beginning of the format in 2007, including Virat Kohli, AB De Villiers, Faf Du Plessis, and MS Dhoni. Whether high-scoring encounters or tight finishes, fans can always expect a spectacle when these cricketing powerhouses collide in the shortest format. This article is about the top 10 run scorers for South Africa against India in the T20Is.
1. David Miller
One of the finest hitters of the white ball, David Miller, is a left-handed middle-order batter known for finishing his team's games. The southpaw made his T20I debut in 2010 against the West Indies. His consistent performances have always benefitted South Africa in the white ball formats. With experience and runs in his career, the left-handed batter and an absolute gun fielder has been one of the best white ball players for South Africa. He has scored 396 runs in sixteen innings against India in the T2OIs.
2. Quinton de Kock
Quinton De Kock has established himself as one of the best openers in the white ball formats. The experienced left-handed batter has scored plenty of runs for South Africa across formats. De Kock has also been a part of various T20 leagues worldwide and has showcased his ability quite often. He made his T20I debut against New Zealand in 2012 and has been one of the most prolific batters for the Proteas. In the T20Is against India, the Southpaw has scored 312 runs in nine innings.
3. JP Duminy
In all three formats, Jean-Paul Duminy was a former left-handed middle-order batter for South Africa. More successful in the white ball formats, Duminy was one of the best performers for the Proteas. Also, a more than handy off-spinner, he used to provide essential breakthroughs to the team. He made his T20I debut against Bangladesh in 2007 and continued playing until 2019. Currently a mentor of the South African team, Duminy was one of the most experienced players in his cricketing tenure. He scored 295 runs in ten innings against India in the T20Is.
4. Heinrich Klassen
Heinrich Klassen is a right-handed middle-order batter and a wicketkeeper for South Africa in the white ball formats. The last one and a half years for Klassen have provided him with a purple patch. The batter has scored plenty of runs for his nation in the ODI and the T20 format. The latest concluded IPL saw Klassen’s heroics as a batter, while he played for the Sunrisers Hyderabad. He made his T20I debut against India in 2018 and has established himself as one of the best strikers in the current Protea white ball set-up. Klassen has scored 217 runs in seven innings against India in the T20Is.
5. Reeza Hendricks
Reeza Hendricks is a classy opening batter for South Africa in the white ball formats. His attacking gameplay has made him stand out as an opening batter. Hendricks made his T20I debut against Australia in 2014 and has been an irregular inclusion in the squad ever since. His ability to play big shots without losing posture has made him a fine opening batter for the Proteas. Hendricks is also a fantastic fielder willing to put his body on the line whenever needed. The right-handed opening batter has scored 213 runs in eight T20I innings against India.
6. AB de Villiers
The man who needs no introduction, AB De Villiers, was an absolute beast in the shortest format. The Mr 360 of the sport, De Villiers could smash the bowler in every corner of the ground. The right-handed middle-order batter made his T20I debut against Australia in 2006 and established himself as a regular inclusion in the team. Also, a prominent part of the IPL, he represented the Royal Challengers Bangalore for most of his IPL career. De Villiers announced his international retirement in 2018 and scored 208 runs in nine T20I innings against India.
7. Temba Bavuma
Temba Bavuma is a right-handed opening batter for South Africa in the white ball formats. Also, the skipper of the side in all three formats, Bavuma’s leadership has been one of the finest in recent times. Temba made his T20I debut against India in 2019 and has been a regular inclusion in the side ever since. Bavuma has scored 150 runs in ten T20I innings against India.
8. Farhaan Behardien
Farhaan Behardien was a former right-handed batter for South Africa in the white ball formats. He made his T20I debut against India in 2012 and was an on-and-off appearnace in the squad across formats. The aggressive batter was also capable of bowling medium-paced deliveries and was a handy bowler for the team. Farhaan scored 146 runs in seven innings in the T20Is against India and retired from the format in 2018.
9. Faf du Plessis
Faf Du Plessis is one of the finest openers in the shortest format. The right-handed batter with a unique stance and unorthodox style of play, Du Plessis, has scored many runs for his nation across formats. Considered a T20 specialist, Du Plessis has been a prominent part of the T20 leagues worldwide. He is also the skipper of the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL and has been a major contributor with the bat. He has scored 143 runs in the four T20Is against India.
10. Jacques Kallis
Jacques Kallis was a former all-rounder for South Africa in all three formats. He was one of the finest all-rounders ever to grace the sport. The guy who provided an unshakable balance to the team, Kallis, was a big contributor in all three departments of the game. He scored 140 runs in just three T20I innings against India.
