Power hitting, exciting endings, and raw pace are hallmarks of the Indian Premier League, and quick bowling has reached a new high in the 2025 tournament. The competition to toss the fastest ball of the season has developed into an intriguing subplot as bowlers routinely reach speeds of over 150 km/h. The lightning-fast deliveries that leave batters shocked and the crowd shouting are eagerly anticipated by fans. The rivalry has been intense, whether it is between international pace machines or young Indian speedsters. But so far in the tournament, one delivery has stood out as the fastest.
Let’s look at the fastest ball bowled in IPL history in more detail.
Top 5 Fastest Balls In IPL History
The Indian Premier League has seen many of these thunderbolts from seamers over the years, and pacers are turning up the heat with their scorching fast deliveries.
5. Mayank Yadav (Lucknow Super Giants)
Mayank Yadav’s raw pace and reckless bowling style have helped him establish himself in the IPL. Despite just playing 4 games for the Lucknow Super Giants, he already claimed seven wickets at a remarkable average of 12.14, with his best bowling stats standing at 3/14. Everyone’s attention has been captivated by his ability to continuously reach speeds of above 150 km/h, including a scorching 155.3 km/h. Mayank’s promising start was cut short by injury, but he is anticipated to return stronger and become a major force in Indian fast bowling.
4. Anrich Nortje (Delhi Capitals)
Anrich Nortje, a South African pacer, has made a name for himself as one of the most formidable fast bowlers in IPL history. With 60 wickets in 46 games at a remarkable average of 26.23, Nortje challenges even the most experienced hitters by fusing accuracy with raw pace. He bowled a scorching 156.22 km/h delivery for the Delhi Capitals against the Rajasthan Royals during the 2020 IPL, the fourth-fastest ball ever recorded. Nortje is a continual threat because of his reputation for routinely bowling deliveries above 150 km/h and his ability to retain accuracy at such high speeds.
3. Umran Malik (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
Umran Malik has significantly impacted the IPL due to his daring bowling and raw speed. He has played 26 games for Sunrisers Hyderabad and claimed 29 wickets at an average of 26.62. His best bowling stats were an outstanding 5/25. Umran’s bowling deliveries are often recorded speeds above 150 km/h, and he delivered a ball at an excellent 157 km/h. His remarkable talent and enormous potential are demonstrated by his appearances three times on the list of the top ten quickest deliveries in IPL history.
2. Lockie Ferguson (Punjab Kings)
With his lightning-fast speed and accuracy, New Zealand bowler Lockie Ferguson has made a name for himself in the IPL. He has taken 51 wickets at an average of 29.98 in 48 games, with his best bowling stats being 4/28. While playing for Gujarat Titans against Rajasthan Royals in the 2022 IPL, he produced a thunderbolt at 157.3 km/h, the second-fastest ball in IPL history. Ferguson, known for his powerful yorkers and lightning-fast pace, was a key member of the Gujarat Titans’ winning team that season. He is one of the most dangerous fast bowlers in T20 cricket right now because of his ability to bowl deliveries at high speeds regularly.
1. Shaun Tait (Rajasthan Royals)
The fastest delivery in IPL history is held by Shaun Tait, who achieved an incredible 157.7 km/h while playing for the Rajasthan Royals. Tait was well-known for his aggressive bowling style and distinctive bowling action, which always caused problems for hitters. Even though he only played in 21 IPL games and claimed 23 wickets at an average of 27.60, he made a significant impression. In the league, his most incredible bowling numbers are 3/13. His distinction as the bowler of the fastest ball ever delivered in the IPL is cemented in the record books by that one thunderbolt delivery.
Let’s take a look at the top 5 fastest deliveries in IPL history:
| Position | Player | Team | Against | Speed (KMPH) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shaun Tait | Rajasthan Royals | Delhi Daredevils | 157.7 |
| 2 | Lockie Ferguson | Gujarat Titans | Rajasthan Royals | 157.3 |
| 3 | Umran Malik | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Delhi Capitals | 157 |
| 4 | Anrich Nortje | Delhi Capitals | Rajasthan Royals | 156.2 |
| 5 | Mayank Yadav | Lucknow Super Giants | Punjab Kings | 155.3 |
Conclusion: Shaun Tait Holds The Record For The Fastest Delivery In IPL History!
Speedsters have long used the Indian Premier League to display their unadulterated speed and test the limits of fast bowling. From Umran Malik’s flaming ascent to Shaun Tait’s record-breaking 157.71 km/h delivery, the competition has produced moments that will never be forgotten due to sheer speed.
With improved training, athleticism, and accuracy, bowlers continue to improve as the competition becomes more difficult each season. Both veteran players like Lockie Ferguson and Anrich Nortje, and up-and-coming prospects like Mayank Yadav have demonstrated how quickly pace can alter the course of a match.
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