The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a stage where cricketing excellence meets entertainment. Over the years, it has become a battleground for some of the fastest bowlers in the world, who deliver sheer pace that leaves fans in awe. Here, we take a look at the top 10 fastest balls bowled in IPL history.
1. Shaun Tait – 157.7 km/h (2011)
Known for his raw pace, Shaun Tait holds the record for the fastest ball in IPL history. Representing the Rajasthan Royals, Tait clocked 157.7 km/h in the 2011 season. His ability to consistently bowl over 150 km/h made him one of the most feared bowlers of his time.
2. Lockie Ferguson – 157.3 km/h (2022)
The New Zealand speedster, Lockie Ferguson, lit up the 2022 IPL season with a fiery delivery clocking 157.3 km/h while playing for the Gujarat Titans. His explosive pace and pinpoint accuracy have been pivotal for his team.
3. Anrich Nortje – 156.2 km/h (2020)
Representing the Delhi Capitals, Anrich Nortje set the stage ablaze in the 2020 season. His delivery at 156.2 km/h showcased why he is considered one of the fastest bowlers in modern-day cricket.
4. Dale Steyn – 154.4 km/h (2012)
The South African legend Dale Steyn, known for his lethal pace and swing, bowled one of the fastest balls in IPL history, clocking 154.4 km/h in 2012. His spellbinding performances for the Deccan Chargers remain memorable.
5. Jofra Archer – 153.6 km/h (2020)
Jofra Archer’s electrifying pace made him a standout bowler in the 2020 IPL season. Playing for the Rajasthan Royals, Archer’s delivery at 153.6 km/h was a testament to his ability to generate speed effortlessly.
6. Kagiso Rabada – 153.5 km/h (2020)
Another speed demon from South Africa, Kagiso Rabada, delivered a thunderbolt at 153.5 km/h during the 2020 IPL season. Representing the Delhi Capitals, Rabada’s speed and wicket-taking abilities made him a standout performer.
7. Pat Cummins – 153.4 km/h (2021)
The Australian pacer Pat Cummins clocked 153.4 km/h in the 2021 IPL season. Playing for the Kolkata Knight Riders, Cummins showcased why he is among the premier fast bowlers in world cricket.
8. Navdeep Saini – 152.9 km/h (2019)
Among Indian bowlers, Navdeep Saini has emerged as a true speedster. Representing Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2019, Saini bowled a fiery delivery at 152.9 km/h, making him one of India’s fastest bowlers in IPL history.
9. Mark Wood – 152.5 km/h (2023)
Mark Wood, known for his express pace, made headlines in the 2023 IPL season. Playing for the Lucknow Super Giants, he clocked 152.5 km/h, showcasing his ability to trouble batsmen with raw speed.
10. Umran Malik – 152.3 km/h (2021)
The young Indian sensation, Umran Malik, burst onto the scene with his incredible pace. Playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2021, he clocked a blistering 152.3 km/h, earning him the title of one of India’s fastest bowlers.
The IPL has always been a platform where raw talent meets fierce competition. These bowlers, with their blazing pace, have etched their names in the tournament’s history. As cricket evolves, we can only anticipate more such thrilling performances that leave fans at the edge of their seats.
