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The ongoing 17th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has emerged as a platform where records are not just broken but shattered with remarkable consistency. This season, in particular, has witnessed a seismic shift in the dynamics of the tournament, with Indian cricketers making significant strides in traditionally foreign-dominated aspects of the game. One such aspect is the art of bowling fast, a skill often associated with overseas pacers. However, the narrative is rapidly evolving, as Indian bowlers have stepped up to the challenge, rewriting the record books with their blistering pace and unwavering determination.
Seismic shift: Indian pacers breaking traditions
In a tournament known for its explosive batting displays and nail-biting finishes, the dominance of Indian bowlers in the speed department has been a revelation. The sight of homegrown talents consistently breaching the 150 km/h mark on the speed gun has sent shockwaves across the cricketing landscape. What was once considered the forte of international stars has now become a hallmark of Indian bowling prowess, captivating audiences and redefining perceptions in the process.
The rise of a new generation of Indian fast bowlers
At the heart of this transformation lies a new generation of Indian fast bowlers who have embraced the demands of T20 cricket with open arms. Their ability to generate raw pace, coupled with strategic variations and impeccable control, has propelled them into the limelight and firmly established their credentials on the IPL stage. As they continue to unleash thunderbolts and leave batters gasping for breath, these homegrown speedsters are not just making waves in the IPL but also laying down a marker for the future of Indian fast bowling.
Top 5 quickest deliveries by Indian pacers in the IPL history.
1. Umran Malik (SRH) – 157 kmph: A rising star in Indian cricket, Umran Malik, displayed his raw pace during the IPL 2022 season. Bowling consistently at speeds exceeding 150 kmph, Malik’s fiery deliveries left batters struggling to cope. His fastest delivery of 157 kmph to Rovman Powell, recorded in the 20th over against the Delhi Capitals (DC) in Mumbai during IPL 2022, announced his arrival on the IPL stage with a thunderbolt. Despite this impressive feat, Malik ended the match with figures of 4-0-52-0, showcasing his potential but also his need for further refinement and control.
2. Mayank Yadav (LSG) – 156.7 kmph: Mayank Yadav’s remarkable bowling exhibition at the Chinnaswamy Stadium saw him clinch three crucial wickets for just 14 runs in his allotted four overs. Among his victims were established Australian batters Glenn Maxwell and Cameron Green, known for their proficiency against high-speed deliveries on bouncy tracks, along with the well-set Rajat Patidar. Notably, Mayank also etched his name in the record books by delivering the fastest ball by an Indian cricketer in the 17th edition of the tournament.
During the eighth over of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s innings, Yadav unleashed a back-of-length delivery that evaded Green’s attempt to guide it through the off side, resulting in a dot ball. However, what left spectators awestruck was the astonishing speed clocked by the delivery, registering at an impressive 156.7 km/h. Just two balls later, Green’s resistance was ultimately shattered as Mayank claimed his prized wicket.
3. Mayank Yadav (LSG) – 155.8 kmph: Mayank stunned the Punjab Kings (PBKS) with his blistering pace, claiming 3 wickets while conceding only 27 runs in the ongoing IPL 2024. His sheer speed led to the key dismissals of Prabhsimran Singh and Jitesh Sharma, who struggled to handle the rapid deliveries. Yadav’s most notable achievement was his delivery clocked at 155.8 kmph, recorded in the first ball of the 12th over against Punjab captain Shikhar Dhawan. This delivery caught the attention of cricket pundits across the board, highlighting Yadav’s potential as a future pace sensation.
Also READ: PBKS owner Preity Zinta reacts to Mayank Yadav’s fastest ball of IPL 2024
4. Umran Malik (SRH) – 154.8 kmph: Malik’s exceptional performances in IPL 2022 earned him another spot on the list, with his delivery clocked at 154.8 kmph against DC, happened on the second delivery of the 12th over when he bowled a fullish delivery to David Warner, who brought his back in time to avoid getting cleaned up. Bowling for the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Malik consistently demonstrated his ability to bowl over 150 kmph, showcasing his potential as a future star of Indian cricket. This delivery, although slightly slower than his fastest, further solidified his reputation as a genuine pace threat.
5. Umran Malik (SRH) – 154 kmph: In a IPL 2022 match against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Malik delivered the one of the fastest delivery of the season, registering a speed of 154 kmph. This delivery, a full ball on the stumps, was driven down the ground for four by CSK opener Ruturaj Gaikwad. Despite this impressive display of pace, Malik’s figures for the match were 4-0-48-0, with 33 runs conceded to Gaikwad, highlighting the need for consistency and effectiveness alongside raw speed.
Special mention:
- Umran Malik (SRH) – 154 kmph: In the same game against the CSK, Malik clocked 154 kmph again in the 19th over, delivering a yorker to MS Dhoni, which was played for a single. Despite this, Malik’s figures for the match were 4-0-48-0, with 33 runs conceded to Gaikwad. While his pace remained consistent, his overall performance lacked the impact desired, indicating areas for improvement in control and effectiveness.
- Navdeep Saini (RCB): Navdeep Saini, known for his raw pace and aggression, unleashed a fiery delivery clocked at 152.85 km/h in 2019 for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) against CSK. His ability to consistently bowl at high speeds has made him a potent weapon for his IPL team and a standout among Indian fast bowlers.
