The Indian Premier League is synonymous with power-hitting, spin wizardry, and nail-biting finishes—but few moments electrify fans like a thunderous fast delivery. This article explores the top 12 fastest balls in IPL history, their record holders, and the science behind these speed demons. We'll also address FAQs about cricket's fastest deliveries globally and in Indian cricket history.
Top 12 Fastest Deliveries in IPL History
| Rank | Bowler | Speed (km/h) | Season | Match |
| 1 | Shaun Tait | 157.7 | 2011 | RR vs DC |
| 2 | Lockie Ferguson | 157.3 | 2022 | KKR vs RR |
| 3 | Umran Malik | 157.0 | 2022 | SRH vs DC |
| 4 | Mayank Yadav | 156.7 | 2024 | LSG vs RCB |
| 5 | Anrich Nortje | 156.2 | 2020 | DC vs RR |
| 6 | Umran Malik | 156.0 | 2022 | SRH vs DC |
| 7 | Umran Malik | 155.7 | 2022 | SRH vs DC |
| 8 | Jofra Archer | 155.5 | 2020 | RR vs MI |
| 9 | Mitchell Starc | 154.7 | 2014 | RCB vs KKR |
| 10 | Dale Steyn | 154.4 | 2013 | RCB vs DC |
| 11 | Tymal Mills | 153.3 | 2017 | CSK vs GL |
| 12 | Kagiso Rabada | 153.0 | 2020 | DC vs MI |
1. Shaun Tait – 157.7 km/h (2011, Rajasthan Royals vs Delhi Capitals)
The Australian speedster Shaun Tait was known for his raw pace and fiery yorkers. In the 2011 IPL season, playing for Rajasthan Royals, he unleashed a 157.7 km/h delivery against Delhi Capitals, setting a record that still stands unbeaten in IPL history.
2. Lockie Ferguson – 157.3 km/h (2022, Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals)
New Zealand's Lockie Ferguson has consistently been among the fastest bowlers in world cricket. During the 2022 IPL final, while playing for Kolkata Knight Riders, he clocked a stunning 157.3 km/h delivery against Rajasthan Royals, making him one of the league's top speedsters.
3. Umran Malik – 157.0 km/h (2022, Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Delhi Capitals)
Indian pacer Umran Malik made waves in the 2022 IPL season with his raw pace. Representing Sunrisers Hyderabad, he bowled a sensational 157 km/h delivery against Delhi Capitals, making him the fastest Indian bowler in IPL history.
4. Mayank Yadav – 156.7 km/h (2024, Lucknow Super Giants vs Royal Challengers Bangalore)
Mayank Yadav burst onto the IPL scene in 2024 with his blistering speed. Playing for Lucknow Super Giants, he bowled a searing 156.7 km/h delivery against Royal Challengers Bangalore, becoming the fastest Indian pacer of the season.
5. Anrich Nortje – 156.2 km/h (2020, Delhi Capitals vs Rajasthan Royals)
South African fast bowler Anrich Nortje showcased his pace during the 2020 IPL season while playing for Delhi Capitals. He clocked an impressive 156.2 km/h against Rajasthan Royals, cementing his place as one of the most dangerous quicks in the league.
6. Umran Malik – 156.0 km/h (2022, Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Delhi Capitals)
Umran Malik appeared on the speed charts multiple times in 2022. In yet another explosive spell, he delivered a 156.0 km/h thunderbolt against Delhi Capitals, reinforcing his reputation as India's pace sensation.
7. Umran Malik – 155.7 km/h (2022, Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Delhi Capitals)
The young Indian pacer continued his 2022 rampage with yet another delivery exceeding 155 km/h. His 155.7 km/h rocket against Delhi Capitals was one of the fastest of the season, making him a true speed phenomenon.
8. Jofra Archer – 155.5 km/h (2020, Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians)
England's Jofra Archer, known for his express pace and pinpoint accuracy, clocked 155.5 km/h in the 2020 IPL season while playing for Rajasthan Royals. His ability to generate speed effortlessly made him one of the deadliest bowlers in the league.
9. Mitchell Starc – 154.7 km/h (2014, Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kolkata Knight Riders)
Australian left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc was at his fiery best in the 2014 IPL season. Playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore, he bowled a 154.7 km/h delivery against Kolkata Knight Riders, making him one of the fastest bowlers of that edition.
10. Dale Steyn – 154.4 km/h (2013, Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Delhi Capitals)
South African legend Dale Steyn, renowned for his ability to swing the ball at high speeds, clocked 154.4 km/h in the 2013 IPL while playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore. His sheer pace and aggression made him a nightmare for batters.
11. Tymal Mills – 153.3 km/h (2017, Chennai Super Kings vs Gujarat Lions)
English pacer Tymal Mills, known for his variations and pace, delivered a fiery 153.3 km/h ball in the 2017 IPL season. Playing for Chennai Super Kings, he troubled batters with his lethal speed against Gujarat Lions.
12. Kagiso Rabada – 153.0 km/h (2020, Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians)
South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada consistently bowled over 150 km/h in the 2020 IPL season. His fastest delivery, clocked at 153.0 km/h for Delhi Capitals against Mumbai Indians, helped him dominate the wickets tally that year.
The Indian Premier League showcases some of the most electrifying fast bowling moments, blending raw speed with precision. These record-breaking deliveries are a testament to the evolution of pace bowling, with players like Umran Malik and Mayank Yadav pushing the boundaries of speed every season. While Shaun Tait still holds the record for the fastest ball in IPL history, the race to break his milestone continues, making each season even more thrilling for fans.
FAQs
1. What is the fastest delivery in IPL history?
The fastest recorded delivery in IPL history is 157.7 km/h (97.9 mph) by Shaun Tait in 2011.
2. What is the fastest delivery in cricket history?
Globally, the fastest delivery in cricket history is 161.3 km/h (100.2 mph) by Shoaib Akhtar against England in the 2003 World Cup.
3. Who has the fastest delivery in Indian cricket history?
Umran Malik holds the record for the fastest delivery by an Indian bowler, clocking 157 km/h in the 2022 IPL season for Sunrisers Hyderabad.
