When speed meets precision in the Indian Premier League (IPL), fans are treated to some of the most electrifying moments in cricket. While big sixes and hat-tricks often steal the spotlight, there’s something uniquely thrilling about a ball that zips past the batsman at over 150 km/h. Over the years, the IPL has become a breeding ground for fast bowlers who aren’t just fast — they’re lightning quick. Let’s look at the top 10 fastest deliveries ever bowled in IPL history and explore what makes these speedsters so special.
What Is Considered a Fast Ball in Cricket?
Fast bowling is generally defined by the ability to consistently bowl at high speeds, often above 140 km/h (87 mph). In T20 cricket, where batsmen dominate, bowling fast adds an extra dimension creating pressure, surprising the batter, and often leading to wickets.
In the IPL, any delivery clocking over 145 km/h is considered genuinely fast. Speeds beyond 150 km/h enter elite territory, and anything close to or above 155 km/h borders on extreme pace. The speeds are recorded using radar speed guns and confirmed through broadcast technology, making them reliable and accurate.
op 10 Fastest Deliveries in IPL History
Here’s a list of the fastest balls ever bowled in the IPL, complete with bowler names, recorded speeds, and the context in which they were delivered.
| Rank | Bowler | Speed (km/h) | Team | Year | Batsman Faced |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Umran Malik | 157.0 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 2022 | Rovman Powell |
| 2 | Lockie Ferguson | 157.3 | Gujarat Titans | 2022 | Jos Buttler |
| 3 | Anrich Nortje | 156.2 | Delhi Capitals | 2020 | Jos Buttler |
| 4 | Shaun Tait | 155.7 | Rajasthan Royals | 2011 | Aaron Finch |
| 5 | Gerald Coetzee | 153.9 | Mumbai Indians | 2024 | KL Rahul |
| 6 | Kagiso Rabada | 153.5 | Delhi Capitals | 2019 | Andre Russell |
| 7 | Jofra Archer | 152.4 | Rajasthan Royals | 2020 | David Warner |
| 8 | Dale Steyn | 152.2 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 2015 | AB de Villiers |
| 9 | Navdeep Saini | 151.8 | Royal Challengers | 2020 | MS Dhoni |
| 10 | Pat Cummins | 151.7 | Kolkata Knight Riders | 2021 | Glenn Maxwell |
1. Umran Malik – 157.0 km/h (Sunrisers Hyderabad, 2022)
India’s new pace sensation, Umran Malik, etched his name into the IPL record books by bowling the fastest delivery in league history — a thunderbolt clocked at 157 km/h. It came during a 2022 match against Delhi Capitals, and the batsman at the receiving end was Rovman Powell. Though it didn’t result in a wicket, the ball left a mark — both literally and figuratively. Umran, who hails from Jammu & Kashmir, was already known for raw pace, but this delivery confirmed his potential as India’s fastest-ever bowler.
2. Lockie Ferguson – 157.3 km/h (Gujarat Titans, 2022)
Ferguson, the Kiwi speedster, unleashed a 157.3 km/h missile during the IPL 2022 final. Known for his aggressive bowling style and lethal bouncers, Ferguson proved why he’s one of the fastest in the game. His delivery was aimed at Jos Buttler, one of the most dangerous batsmen in T20s. Although Buttler survived, the impact of that ball was felt across the stadium. Lockie consistently clocks above 150, but this remains his career-best in IPL.
3. Anrich Nortje – 156.2 km/h (Delhi Capitals, 2020)
Anrich Nortje’s 2020 season with Delhi Capitals was packed with pace. In a memorable match against Rajasthan Royals, Nortje bowled a ball at 156.2 km/h — narrowly missing the stumps. He faced Jos Buttler multiple times in that match, and the contest between the bat and the ball was an edge-of-the-seat spectacle. Nortje’s high-arm action and strong wrist snap make him a consistent threat in any format.
4. Shaun Tait – 155.7 km/h (Rajasthan Royals, 2011)
Before the new generation of pacers emerged, it was Shaun Tait who held the unofficial tag of the fastest bowler. Tait, who was known for his slingy action and explosive pace, delivered a 155.7 km/h thunderbolt back in 2011. Although Tait didn’t play many IPL matches, his sheer pace made him unforgettable.
5. Gerald Coetzee – 153.9 km/h (Mumbai Indians, 2024)
A recent addition to the fastest-ball club, South African quick Gerald Coetzee stunned fans with a 153.9 km/h delivery in IPL 2024. Bowling for Mumbai Indians, Coetzee’s raw pace troubled even experienced batsmen like KL Rahul. His ability to maintain control at such speeds shows promise for future seasons.
6. Kagiso Rabada – 153.5 km/h (Delhi Capitals, 2019)
Rabada’s 2019 season was filled with wickets, dot balls, and brutal pace. His 153.5 km/h delivery to Andre Russell was a key highlight. While Russell eventually took Rabada on, the South African’s consistent pace and deadly yorkers made him one of the most valuable players that year.
7. Jofra Archer – 152.4 km/h (Rajasthan Royals, 2020)
Jofra Archer’s calm demeanor hides the fact that he can bowl at express speeds. His fastest IPL delivery was clocked at 152.4 km/h against David Warner. Archer’s strength lies in his control — he combines speed with sharp bounce and movement, which makes him a complete T20 bowler.
8. Dale Steyn – 152.2 km/h (Sunrisers Hyderabad, 2015)
Dale Steyn, one of the most iconic fast bowlers of all time, brought his fire to the IPL as well. In 2015, he bowled a searing 152.2 km/h delivery to AB de Villiers. Although nearing the end of his IPL stint, Steyn still showed he could crank up the heat when needed.
9. Navdeep Saini – 151.8 km/h (Royal Challengers Bangalore, 2020)
Navdeep Saini emerged as one of India’s fastest bowlers during IPL 2020. In a match against Chennai Super Kings, Saini bowled a 151.8 km/h delivery to MS Dhoni. While Dhoni handled it with ease, the delivery reminded everyone of Saini’s pace potential.
10. Pat Cummins – 151.7 km/h (Kolkata Knight Riders, 2021)
Australian pace spearhead Pat Cummins is more known for his accuracy, but he can bowl genuinely fast when needed. His fastest IPL delivery came in 2021 against Glenn Maxwell — a 151.7 km/h bouncer that surprised even the explosive Aussie all-rounder.
Honourable Mentions
Several other bowlers have consistently hit the 145+ mark in the IPL but missed out on the top 10:
- Mark Wood (Lucknow Super Giants)
- Lungi Ngidi (Chennai Super Kings)
- Mohammed Siraj (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
- Mitchell Starc (Kolkata Knight Riders)
These pacers, while slightly behind in peak speed, often play a crucial role in powerplays and death overs, using their speed to restrict scoring.
Fastest Indian Bowlers in IPL
Among Indian bowlers, Umran Malik leads the charts, and by a wide margin. Navdeep Saini, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj have also clocked over 145 km/h on multiple occasions, but Umran is in a league of his own.
His ability to bowl consistently at 150+ is something India hasn’t seen since the days of Javagal Srinath, albeit Umran is significantly faster. If nurtured well, Umran could become a world-class pacer across formats.
How Speed Impacts Performance in T20 Cricket
Bowling fast isn’t just about impressing the speed gun. In T20 cricket, the margins are slim, and a bit of extra pace can lead to a mistimed shot or a crucial edge. Fast bowlers are particularly effective in:
- Powerplays: When field restrictions are in place, genuine pace can force mistakes.
- Middle overs: Speedy short balls and yorkers break partnerships.
- Death overs: A mix of pace and variation limits big hits.
However, raw pace without control can be dangerous. Bowlers like Dale Steyn, Bumrah, and Rabada combine speed with precision that’s what separates the greats from the rest.
Final Thoughts
The IPL isn’t just a platform for big hitters and innovative shots it’s also a showcase of blistering fast bowling. The likes of Umran Malik, Lockie Ferguson, and Anrich Nortje have added firepower to their teams and electrified fans with deliveries that defy belief. we’re likely to see even more records broken in the seasons to come. Speed thrills, no doubt but in the IPL, it also wins matches.
