Fastest Balls in IPL History: When it comes to the Indian Premier League (IPL), fans often rave about towering sixes and explosive batting performances. But there’s another thrill that makes stadiums roar — blistering pace. Few things in cricket are more electrifying than watching a bowler steam in and unleash a thunderbolt past the bat.
Over the years, the IPL has played host to some of the fastest bowlers on the planet, and the league has become a battleground for searing speed. From Aussie legends to Indian rising stars, here’s a look at the fastest deliveries ever bowled in IPL history, including the latest updates from IPL 2025.
Table of Contents
Fastest Balls in IPL History: From Shaun Tait to Mayank Yadav, Meet the Men Who Set the Speed Gun on Fire
Top 5 Fastest Deliveries in IPL History (2008 – 2025)
| Rank | Bowler | Speed (KMPH) | Team | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shaun Tait | 157.7 | Rajasthan Royals | 2011 |
| 2 | Lockie Ferguson | 157.3 | Gujarat Titans | 2022 |
| 3 | Umran Malik | 157.0 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 2022 |
| 4 | Mayank Yadav | 156.7 | Lucknow Super Giants | 2024 |
| 5 | Anrich Nortje | 156.2 | Delhi Capitals | 2020 |
Breaking Down the Fastest Balls
🥇 Shaun Tait – 157.7 KMPH (IPL 2011)
Still standing tall atop the charts, Australian pacer Shaun Tait bowled the fastest delivery in IPL history during the 2011 season. Representing Rajasthan Royals, Tait sent down a 157.7 KMPH rocket against Delhi Daredevils’ Aaron Finch — a moment that lives on in IPL folklore.
🥈 Lockie Ferguson – 157.3 KMPH (IPL 2022)
The Kiwi speedster Lockie Ferguson has always been known for his fiery pace, but it was in 2022 when he turned heads by clocking 157.3 KMPH — the second-fastest ball ever recorded in IPL. Ferguson continued to impress in IPL 2025, where he topped the speed chart once again with a 153.2 KMPH delivery for Punjab Kings.
🥉 Umran Malik – 157.0 KMPH (IPL 2022)
The pride of Jammu and Kashmir, Umran Malik, became a household name by consistently breaching the 150 KMPH mark. His 157.0 KMPH delivery in IPL 2022 made him the fastest Indian bowler in IPL history — and one of the most exciting young talents in world cricket.
Mayank Yadav: India’s New Speed Sensation
In IPL 2024, Mayank Yadav took the league by storm with multiple deliveries above 155 KMPH, including his best at 156.7 KMPH — placing him fourth on the all-time list. His raw pace and accuracy drew comparisons to the greats and made him a serious contender for national selection.
Fastest Balls of IPL 2025 (So Far)
| Player | Team | Speed (KMPH) | Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lockie Ferguson | Punjab Kings | 153.2 | PBKS vs LSG |
| Jofra Archer | Rajasthan Royals | 152.3 | RR vs GT |
| Kagiso Rabada | Gujarat Titans | 151.6 | GT vs PBKS |
| Mohammed Siraj | Gujarat Titans | 149.6 | GT vs MI |
| Matheesha Pathirana | Chennai Super Kings | 149.6 | PBKS vs CSK |
Lockie Ferguson leads the chart once again in 2025, proving that he’s one of the most consistent express pacers in the league’s history.
Honourable Mentions: Other Fastest Balls in IPL
| Bowler | Speed (KMPH) |
|---|---|
| Anrich Nortje | 154.8 |
| Dale Steyn | 154.4 |
| Kagiso Rabada | 154.2 |
| Gerald Coetzee | 152.3 |
| Matheesha Pathirana | 150.9 |
These bowlers may not have broken records, but their consistency in hitting 150+ KMPH makes them valuable assets for any franchise.
Why Pace Matters in T20 Cricket
While T20 is often called a batter’s game, extreme pace remains one of the few weapons that can rattle even the best hitters. A fast bowler who can crank it up beyond 150 KMPH brings:
- Fear factor to the crease
- Wicket-taking potential in powerplays and death overs
- Match-turning impact with just one delivery
Speedsters Who Left a Mark
From Shaun Tait’s record-shattering 157.7 KMPH thunderbolt to Mayank Yadav’s meteoric rise, the IPL has never lacked firepower. As new generations of fast bowlers rise through the ranks, it’s clear that the race for the fastest ball is far from over.
So, next time you’re watching an IPL match, keep an eye on the speed gun—you might just witness history.
FAQs
Who bowled the fastest ball in IPL history?
Shaun Tait holds the record with a delivery at 157.7 KMPH in IPL 2011.
Who is the fastest Indian bowler in IPL?
Umran Malik is the fastest Indian, clocking 157.0 KMPH in IPL 2022.
