Codi Ethan Yusuf

Codi Yusuf has grown into one of South Africa’s reliable domestic fast bowlers, admired for his pace, discipline, and team-first attitude. A product of Gauteng's cricketing pipeline, Yusuf started playing in the local club leagues, where his raw pace and natural athleticism made him stand out. 

Interestingly, Yusuf used to bowl spin but switched to pace bowling during his high school days. 

The 1998-born pacer made his List A and first-class debut for Gauteng in October 2019. In his debut first-class game against Boland, Yusuf took a match-winning five-wicket haul in the second innings.  

In 2025, the Knysna-born cricketer signed a contract with the Durham CCC to play domestic cricket in England. He had an impressive stint, but it was cut short as Yusuf received his maiden Test call for the away series against Zimbabwe in June.

Yusuf impressed everyone by taking a three-wicket haul in each innings of the first Test in Bulawayo. Even fans gave him the nickname of "Dale Steyn 2.0". 

Notably, Steyn had many things to say about the young pacer as well. "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. Deserved national call up," the former Proteas fast bowler said.

In July, he went back to play for Durham in all three formats of the game. Then, a few months later, in September, the Lions’ bowler made his ODI debut against England in Southampton. But it was a forgettable game for him as Yusuf broke the record of the most runs conceded by a Proteas cricketer on ODI debut. He gave 80/0 in his 10 overs. 

In the SA20 league cricket, the pacer made his debut for Paarl Royals in the 2022/23 season. Over the years, he has played just five games in the T20 tournament and has yet to deliver an exceptional performance. For the 2025/26 season, Yusuf will be representing the Pretoria Capitals franchise. 

(As of October 2025)