Codi Yusuf is a 27-year-old South African right-arm fast-medium bowler and lower-order batter, who made a remarkable entry into international cricket by taking three wickets on his Test debut against Zimbabwe on June 28, 2025. In an impressive start, he took three wickets in 14 overs, dismissing key batters Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Nick Welch and Wellington Masakadza two of whom he removed caught behind.
Dale Steyn’s seal of approval and praise for Codi Yusuf’s fierce action
South African pace legend Dale Steyn has been one of the earliest high-profile admirers of Yusuf’s bowling. Steyn revealed on X that he first took note of Yusuf during a match where the young pacer ripped through the England Lions batting line-up, showcasing his ability to generate sharp bounce, movement, and relentless intensity. Steyn, never one to hand out praise lightly, publicly lauded Yusuf’s performance and urged fans to keep an eye on him.
What caught Steyn’s attention was not just Yusuf’s wicket-taking ability but also his bowling action, which mirrors classical fast bowling mechanics, high-arm release, smooth run-up, and the ability to hit hard lengths consistently. His action is clean and repeatable and he bowls with a strong front arm, which aids in generating late movement off the seam. According to coaches, Yusuf’s rhythm and follow-through are reminiscent of the classical South African pace battery, something Steyn himself exemplified in his prime.
For those in world cricket that don’t know much about Codi Yusuf.
Quick, skiddy, away shape, consistent in length and bowls a nippy bouncer that gets on you faster than you think.
Watched him bowl against an England lions team this past December and honestly tore through them.…
— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) June 29, 2025
Lesser known facts about South Africa’s new pace sensation Codi Yusuf
1. Early life and turning point
Born on April 10, 1998, in Knysna, Western Cape, Yusuf is known for his pace, consistency, and gritty character. Raised in a supportive household, Yusuf was encouraged to take up cricket by his parents, Lauren and Ardiel Yusuf, who gifted him his first cricket set. Initially a batter and part-time spinner, a high school incident, being hit during nets, led him to switch to fast bowling, a decision that proved pivotal. He later moved to Johannesburg and studied at Waterstone College, where his athleticism and work ethic flourished. Coaches and peers often noted his resilience and adaptability, qualities that later shaped his success.
2. Domestic journey and career milestones
Yusuf began his professional career in 2018, debuting for Mpumalanga in the Africa T20 Cup against Kenya. In 2019, he made his List A and first-class debut for Gauteng, where he soon emerged as the joint-leading wicket-taker in the 2019–20 CSA One-Day Challenge, bagging 16 wickets in 9 matches. He was named Gauteng’s Bowler of the Year the same season and recorded impressive first-class figures, including 7/122 with a 5-wicket haul.
In total, Yusuf has taken 105 first-class wickets in 33 matches, including eight 4-wicket hauls and four 5-wicket hauls, maintaining an average of 27.81. In T20s, he has played 39 matches and picked up 36 wickets. His standout bowling has earned him a County stint with Durham, where he made significant contributions in both red- and white-ball formats.
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3. Franchise cricket and SA20 stint
Yusuf features for the Paarl Royals in SA20, the T20 franchise league modeled on IPL structures. The Royals are the sister team of the Rajasthan Royals and represent the Paarl region. Though yet to make a massive impact in T20s, Yusuf has shown glimpses of potential, playing five games for the Royals and taking three wickets, albeit with an economy rate close to 10. His ability to swing the ball and bowl into the pitch remains a promising trait for shorter formats. He represents Gauteng and the Lions domestically and plays franchise cricket for the Royals in SA20 and Durham in England’s County Championship.
4. Personal life
Codi Yusuf is married to Ashlynn Yusuf, whom he wed in September 2023. He often credits his wife and parents for their unwavering support throughout his journey. Ashlynn maintains a private Instagram account and is described by Yusuf as his biggest pillar of strength. He once shared an emotional post on social media, thanking her for making their wedding day “the best day of his life,”
5. Test debut selection story
In a heartwarming turn of events, Yusuf, during an recent interview to Independent, revealed that he was in the UK, playing County Championship cricket for Durham, when he received a life-changing message. The first signal came from Proteas team manager Volvo Masubelele, followed moments later by a call from head coach Shukri Conrad himself. The message was clear, he had been selected for South Africa’s Test squad to tour Zimbabwe.
Interesting facts and trivia
- Started as a spin bowler, but switched to pace after getting hit in school nets.
- Took his first T20 wicket against Kenya’s Irfan Karim in 2018.
- Won CSA 4-Day Series Bowler of the Season award.
- Known as ‘Codash’ among teammates for his energy and humor.
- Credits Allan Donald for influencing his bowling approach and mental resilience.
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