The Indian Premier League boasts the largest array of top players in cricket, and this extends to the realm of fast bowling as well. Although fast bowlers are typically evaluated more thoroughly in longer formats, T20 cricket provides a platform for them to highlight one particular skill – sheer pace.
In the shortest format, pacers can unleash their full power without concern for conserving energy for later spells. Consequently, T20 cricket currently witnesses the registration of the fastest deliveries. Despite being in its infancy this season, the IPL has already witnessed some scorching deliveries from fast bowlers. Several quicks are yet to make their mark, and they are likely to ignite the speed gun when given the opportunity.
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Fastest Balls in the IPL 2024
1. Mayank Yadav (Lucknow Super Giants): 156.7kph (97.3mph)
2. Nandre Burger (Rajasthan Royals): 153kph (95mph)
3. Gerald Coetzee (Mumbai Indians): 152.3kph (94.6mph)
4. Alzarri Joseph (Royal Challengers Bengaluru): 151.2kph (93.9mph)
5. Matheesha Pathirana (Chennai Super Kings): 150.9kph (93.7mph)
5. Gerald Coetzee (Mumbai Indians): 148.5kph (92.2mph)
6. Umran Malik (Sunrisers Hyderabad): 147.9kph (92mph)
7. Kagiso Rabada (Punjab Kings): 147.2kph (91.4mph)
8. Spencer Johnson (Gujarat Titans): 145kph (90mph)
9. Tushar Deshpande (CSK): 144.9kph (90mph)
10. Yash Thakur (Lucknow Super Giants): 144.6kph (89.8mph)
2. Nandre Burger (Rajasthan Royals): 153kph (95mph)
Nandre Burger, the emerging South African speedster, appears poised for significant achievements in cricket. Displaying innate pace, the left-arm pacer showcased his talent during Thursday’s game against the Delhi Capitals.
Burger capitalized on the fast surface in Jaipur, breaking through Mitchell Marsh’s defense and pressuring Ricky Bhui with a rapid short delivery. Impressively, he reached a speed of 153kph (95mph). South Africa has unearthed a genuinely exceptional talent in Burger.
2. Matheesha Pathirana (Chennai Super Kings): 150.6kph (93.5mph)
Despite entering the tournament with hamstring concerns, Matheesha Pathirana, the quick bowler for the Chennai Super Kings, demonstrated no discomfort as he immediately reached top speed during a formidable spell against the Gujarat Titans at Chepauk.
In his first over, Pathirana hastened the experienced batsman David Miller, consistently surpassing 150kph. He also strategically employed his slower deliveries. Pathirana’s slingy, ‘Malinga-like’ action renders him nearly unstoppable on the field.
3. Alzarri Joseph (Royal Challengers Bengaluru): 148.8kph (92.4mph)
Alzarri Joseph stands out as one of the select few bowlers capable of capitalizing on the new two-bouncer per over regulation in the IPL. The West Indies fast bowler relishes targeting the middle of the pitch, making it challenging for batsmen to take him on when he delivers short-pitched deliveries. As the tournament unfolds, it’s likely we’ll witness Joseph predominantly employing short deliveries to maintain pressure on the opposition.
4. Gerald Coetzee (Mumbai Indians): 148.5kph (92.2mph)
Gerald Coetzee holds a crucial role in the Mumbai bowling arsenal, offering a potent threat alongside Jasprit Bumrah. Despite entering the tournament with a groin concern, he showcased his full capabilities against Gujarat, delivering with exceptional vigor.
The South African management closely tracks the young speedster, recognizing his significance in their T20 World Cup strategies. Coetzee’s performance in the IPL underscores why he is such a pivotal asset to their plans.
5. Umran Malik (Sunrisers Hyderabad): 147.9kph (92mph)
Umran Malik, the fast bowler for the Sunrisers Hyderabad, recently found himself out of favor with the Indian team management due to issues with control. However, despite this setback, the 24-year-old possesses an abundance of pace.
In the high-scoring encounter against Mumbai, Malik only bowled one over after being brought on as an impact substitute. Unfortunately, he was hit for two sixes and subsequently removed from the attack. Nonetheless, during that over, he comfortably exceeded 90mph, showcasing his immense speed. However, unless he rectifies his accuracy concerns soon, there is a risk that a talent as extraordinary as Malik, who has been recorded at 97 mph, might fade into obscurity.
6. Kagiso Rabada (Punjab Kings): 147.2kph (91.4mph)
Kagiso Rabada, the South African fast bowler, stands out as one of the rare talents capable of excelling in any cricket format and under varying conditions, provided he remains fit. He has made a promising start to this IPL season, consistently taking wickets, maintaining a high pace, and boasting an economy rate close to seven runs per over.
However, for Rabada to unleash his full potential, he will require stronger support from players like Sam Curran and Arshdeep Singh. With better support, Rabada will have the freedom to unleash his skills to the fullest extent.
7. Spencer Johnson (Gujarat Titans): 145kph (90mph)
Spencer Johnson, the Australian left-arm fast bowler, seamlessly adapted to the IPL environment, demonstrating commendable discipline, pace, and the capability to manage the middle overs effectively.
However, the opening bowling duo for Gujarat, comprising Umesh Yadav and Azmatullah Omarzai, lacks the assurance needed to instill confidence. It is imperative for them to exhibit greater discipline in their bowling approach, allowing their spinners and Johnson to exert their influence on the game more effectively.
8. Tushar Deshpande (CSK): 144.9kph (90mph)
Tushar Deshpande is the second player to feature in this list alongside Pathirana. He bowled his fiery spell against Gujarat Titans to Azmatullah Omarzai in the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.
9. Yash Thakur (Lucknow Super Giants): 144.6kph (89.8mph)
Yash Thakur is the only player from LSG to feature in this list. He bowled it against Riyan Parag of Rajasthan Royals in the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur.
10. Pat Cummins (Sunrisers Hyderabad): 144.3kph (89.6mph)
The second most expensive player in the history of IPL and this edition of IPL had a great match against MI on Wednesday as he bowled very smartly in the death overs for SRH especially against his countrymate Tim David to whim he bowled this fast ball.
