Speed denomination is yet another layer of thrill in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Be it a 150-plus kmph yorker that presses down the toes or a bouncer that shakes the batsman, fast deliveries are stunning to see and, in effect, change the course of the game. Over the years, the IPL has seen intoxicating raw pace spells being bowled, with pace bowlers constantly breaching that magical mark of 150(kmph). This article streaks through the fastest ever deliveries bowled in IPL, by whom, and how these deliveries affected and shaped the game between 2008 and 2025.
What is the Fastest Ball in IPL History?
With the IPL considered a speed bowlers’ haven, the pace has now been measured with advanced speed-tracking technology, making sure the tournament witnessed some of the most thrilling deliveries in T20 cricket ever recorded. From veteran fast bowlers to new-age speedsters, many have left their mark with extreme pace. But which delivery tops them all?
Who Bowled the Fastest Delivery in IPL?
The fastest delivery in IPL history was bowled by Shaun Tait of Australia. Clocking an astonishing 157.7 kilometers per hour during his stint with Rajasthan Royals, Tait’s fiery delivery remains unmatched even after more than a decade of IPL action. With his high-arm action and a steep run-up, he regularly reached unmatchable speeds and gave fans several memories to cherish. Along with that, MS Dhoni did the fastest stumping in IPL, showing how quick he is behind the wickets.
Top Speed Achieved in an IPL Match
While Tait holds a place all alone getting the record, Lockie Ferguson of New Zealand came near it in IPL 2022 by bowling at 157.3 kmph; and such speeds brought him into the limelight in that season. Thereafter, India’s Umran Malik blossomed as a hate pace homegrown detection, shattering the 150 kmph barrier many a time since IPL 2021.
How Ball Speed is Measured in the IPL
The watcher shall find that the ball speed in the IPL is measured by radar guns and Hawk-Eye technology. They take the speed of the ball right after the moment of release and provide this data for commentators and analysts alike. Systems, by their consistency over time, provide an opportunity for fair comparison of bowling speeds across matches and seasons. You can listen to IPL live cricket commentary to know what’s happening in the match right away.
Fastest Deliveries in IPL by Year (2008–2025)
Every IPL season has had its very own fastest ball, and looking at it on a year wise basis will reveal how the tournament has evolved when it comes to pace. Starting with Tait, who ruled fast bowling during the early years and then moving on to cases like that of Umran Malik in recent times, fast bowling has been our star. Here is a glance at the fastest deliveries from 2008 to 2025, coupled with some hot highlights and records of each year.
| Sl No | Player | Ball Speed (km/h) |
| 1 | Shaun Tait | 157.7 |
| 2 | Lockie Ferguson | 157.3 |
| 3 | Umran Malik | 157 |
| 4 | Mayank Yadav | 156.7 |
| 5 | Mayank Yadav | 155.8 |
| 6 | Anrich Nortje | 156.2 |
| 7 | Anrich Nortje | 154.8 |
| 8 | Dale Steyn | 154.4 |
| 9 | Kagiso Rabada | 154.2 |
IPL 2025 Fastest Ball – Latest Record
The fastest delivery of the IPL 2025 season was bowled by Lockie Ferguson, who clocked 153.2 kmph. His ability to consistently generate high pace has made him the face of India’s fast-bowling future. His performance in 2025 further cements his place among the IPL’s fastest bowlers.
| Sl No | Player | Team | Ball Speed (kph) |
| 1 | Lockie Ferguson | PBKS | 153.2 |
| 2 | Jofra Archer | RR | 152.3 |
| 3 | Anrich Nortje | KKR | 151.6 |
| 3 | Kagiso Rabada | GT | 151.6 |
| 4 | Anrich Nortje | KKR | 151.5 |
| 5 | Jofra Archer | RR | 151.3 |
Notable Fast Deliveries from Past Seasons
- 2022: Lockie Ferguson – 157.3 kmph
- 2021: Umran Malik – 153.3 kmph
- 2015: Mitchell Starc – 152.4 kmph
- 2011: Dale Steyn – 151.9 kmph
These deliveries came in high-pressure games and often led to crucial wickets, proving the effectiveness of raw pace in T20 cricket.
Year-wise Chart of Fastest Balls Bowled
| Year | Bowler | Speed (kmph) | Team |
| 2025 | Lockie Ferguson | 153.2 | PBKS |
| 2022 | Lockie Ferguson | 157.3 | Gujarat Titans |
| 2021 | Umran Malik | 153.3 | Sunrisers Hyderabad |
| 2015 | Mitchell Starc | 152.4 | RCB |
| 2011 | Dale Steyn | 151.9 | Deccan Chargers |
Top Bowlers with the Fastest Deliveries in IPL
The IPL has been graced by several elite fast bowlers, both international and Indian, who have pushed the boundaries of pace. These speedsters have not only thrilled crowds with their express deliveries but also changed the dynamics of many matches with their velocity and aggression.
Umran Malik – India’s Pace Sensation
One restricted region is that the pace bowlers are all becoming household names now from Jammu & Kashmir. Now in IPL 2025, with his consistent thunderbolts of more than 150 kmph, he is recognized as the fastest Indian bowler ever. Raw pace and slowly attaining control have made him a Sunrisers Hyderabad match-winner.
Lockie Ferguson’s Record-Breaking Speeds
Smooth run-up and explosive delivery stride make Ferguson among the highest in IPL speed charts. In his top speed in 2022 of 157.3 kmph, only Shaun Tait holds the record for a fastest delivery. Ferguson remains an asset to Gujarat Titans on account of his pace and consistency.
Anrich Nortje and His Lightning Deliveries
Representing Delhi Capitals, Anrich Nortje has stunned many with his express pace. With several deliveries over 155 kmph, Nortje has earned the reputation of being one of the most dangerous bowlers in the powerplay and death overs.
Shaun Tait’s Legacy of Pace
Though he hasn’t played for over a decade, the legacy of Tait remains forever. Yet to be bettered, his 157.7 kmph missile sped into the arena and created the memories of a lifetime for those few years of short but beautiful IPL career.
Other Speedsters in the IPL Fast Club
Some other elite bowlers who have bowled above 150 kmph in IPL include:
- Mitchell Johnson
- Jofra Archer
- Kagiso Rabada
- Dale Steyn
Each has contributed to their team’s success with game-changing spells of high-speed bowling.
Fastest Indian Bowlers in IPL History
Indian cricket has always been famous for spinners, but in the recent past, a parallel trend of fast bowling capable of touching speed of 150kmph has emerged. These fast bowlers have added more depth to India bowling and have enhanced the standard of bowling in the IPL.
Top 5 Indian Bowlers with Fastest Deliveries
- Umran Malik – 156.8 kmph
- Ishant Sharma – 152.6 kmph
- Varun Aaron – 152.4 kmph
- Umesh Yadav – 151.0 kmph
- Jasprit Bumrah – 149.6 kmph
These pacers have proven that Indian bowlers can match international standards in terms of speed.
Umran Malik vs Javagal Srinath: Speed Comparison
Javagal Srinath, India’s fastest bowler in the 1990s, with speeds regularly touching 149 kmph, is being pushed further away, the constant radar proved Umran Malik’s speed crossing 155 kmph, the pace melt to-be new standard through IPL times.
Impact of Pace on Indian Cricket’s Future
With the onset of Malik and other fast bowlers, Indian cricket is all set for a pace bowling revolution. Their presence in the IPL will inspire a new generation on fast lanes and make India competitive on overseas pitches that favor pace.
How Speed Impacts the Game in IPL
In T20 cricket, fast bowlers are crucial weapons during the powerplay at one end and in the death overs at the other. They run down the runners or create bounce or swing for the batsmen to hit. Let’s discuss how fast bowling influences the game’s outcome in IPL.
Fast Bowling and Wicket-Taking Opportunities
The faster it gets, the higher the chances of batsmen going for a mishit, mistimed shots, or taking catches from unintended areas. Bowlers like Nortje and Ferguson have bowled pace that would have beaten the batsmen under huge pressure during important matches and taken crucial wickets of the opposition.
Speed vs Accuracy: What Works in T20?
Pace is surely an asset, but accuracy makes the stunts in T20 cricket. The most successful fast bowlers have always been the ones who could vary their bowling, mixing their fast deliveries with slow balls and yorkers to bamboozle their batsmen.
Pitch Conditions and Their Effect on Pace
Pitches at Mumbai, Kolkata, and Hyderabad assist the fast bowlers with adequate bounce and carry advancing bowling, while at Chennai and Delhi, the bowling end is more inclined to favor the spinners. So, the speed must be modified as per the pitch conditions.
Technology Behind Measuring Fast Deliveries in IPL
The IPL relies on advanced tech to accurately track and analyze each delivery. This helps broadcasters, teams, and fans get a clear picture of a bowler’s performance.
Role of Hawk-Eye and Speed Guns
Radar-based speed guns and Hawk-Eye technology are placed strategically to measure the speed of each delivery upon release. These tools provide consistent and accurate data throughout the tournament.
Accuracy of Speed Measurements in Broadcast
The data displayed on screen during live matches is synced with broadcast systems, ensuring real-time and precise speed stats. These measurements are used by commentators and analysts to dissect bowling spells.
Evolution of Bowling Analytics in the IPL
Analytics now include ball trajectory, release angle, seam position, and spin rate. Combined with speed tracking, these insights help teams plan match-ups and refine bowling strategies.
Fastest Deliveries in IPL Final Matches
Big games demand big performances. Finals and playoffs are where bowlers bring out their best, and some of the fastest deliveries in IPL history have been bowled under this intense pressure.
Top Speeds Recorded in IPL Playoffs and Finals
- Lockie Ferguson – 153.9 kmph in 2022 Final
- Anrich Nortje – 151.6 kmph in 2020 Final
- Mitchell Johnson – 150.7 kmph in 2017 Final
These deliveries turned the tide in favor of their teams during the most crucial games. Many fans enjoy IPL betting to make matches more fun and exciting.
High-Pressure Bowling: Who Delivered Under Fire?
Bowlers like Ferguson and Nortje have excelled under pressure, delivering high-speed spells with remarkable control in finals. Their efforts often led to match-winning breakthroughs.
Pace Trends in IPL Knockout Matches
Knockout matches usually witness an increase in intensity and pace, as teams push harder for early wickets and death-over control. Over the years, 150+ kmph deliveries have become more common in playoffs and finals.
Conclusion
From Shaun Tait’s scorchingly fast ball of 157.7 kmph to Umran Malik’s lightning-fast thunderbolt of 156.8 kmph in IPL 2025, fast-paced bowling will always maintain its charm among fans. These bowlers not only entertain but decide the course of the match with every delivery. Amid this growth of the IPL, expect even more jaw-dropping speeds and spectacular moments from fast bowlers-the foreign ones as well as the Indian ones. The Indibet App lets you watch games and play betting games easily on your phone.
FAQs – Fastest Delivery in IPL
Q: Who bowled the fastest ball in IPL history?
A: Shaun Tait bowled the fastest ball in IPL history at 157.7 kmph.
Q: What was the speed of the fastest delivery in IPL?
A: The fastest delivery recorded was 157.7 kmph by Shaun Tait.
Q: Who is the fastest Indian bowler in IPL?
A: Umran Malik is the fastest Indian bowler in IPL, clocking 156.8 kmph.
Q: What is the fastest delivery in IPL 2025?
A: Umran Malik delivered the fastest ball in IPL 2025 at 156.8 kmph.
Q: Is Umran Malik the fastest bowler in IPL?
A: Umran Malik is the fastest Indian bowler and among the top overall in IPL.
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