The 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. One notable aspect is the resurgence of fast bowling, which had somewhat taken a backseat in the fast-paced arena of modern batting. However, bowlers have stepped up to the challenge, rewriting the record books with their blistering pace and unwavering determination.
The new generation of fast bowlers
In a tournament renowned for its explosive batting displays and nail-biting finishes, the dominance of 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.
At the heart of this transformation lies a new generation of 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.
Also READ: Top 10 longest sixes in the IPL 2024 ft. MS Dhoni
Top 5 quickest deliveries in the IPL 2024:
1. Gerald Coetzee (MI) – 157.4 km/h
Despite going wicketless in Mumbai Indians’ (MI) match against Rajasthan Royals (RR) at Wankhede Stadium, Gerald Coetzee managed to achieve a significant milestone. He delivered the fastest ball of the IPL 2024 season, clocking an impressive speed of 157.4 km/h. This delivery also ranks among the fastest balls ever bowled in IPL history.
Coetzee’s record-breaking delivery came in the 15th over of the match. It was the third ball of the over, and despite its speed and potential, it did not result in a wicket. Instead, it was hit for the winning runs by Rajasthan batter Riyan Parag, marking the end of the game. While the match outcome was not in Coetzee’s favor, his achievement in delivering one of the fastest balls in IPL history is a testament to his sheer pace and potential as a fast bowler.
2. Mayank Yadav (LSG) – 156.7 km/h
Mayank Yadav‘s sensational bowling spell for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Chinnaswamy Stadium saw him clinch three crucial wickets for just 14 runs in his allotted four overs. His victims included renowned Australian batters Glenn Maxwell and Cameron Green, both known for their proficiency against high-speed deliveries on bouncy tracks, and the well-set Rajat Patidar.
During the eighth over of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) innings, Mayank unleashed a back-of-length delivery that evaded Green’s attempt to guide it through the off side, resulting in a dot ball. 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 shattered as Mayank claimed his prized wicket. This delivery not only secured a crucial moment in the match but also etched Mayank’s name in the record books for delivering the fastest ball by an Indian cricketer in the 17th edition of the tournament.
3. Mayank Yadav (LSG) – 155.8 km/h
In another standout performance, Mayank stunned the Punjab Kings (PBKS) with his blistering pace, claiming three wickets while conceding only 27 runs. His sheer speed led to the key dismissals of Prabhsimran Singh and Jitesh Sharma, who struggled to handle his rapid deliveries. Mayank’s most notable achievement in this match was his delivery clocked at 155.8 km/h, recorded on the first ball of the 12th over against Punjab captain Shikhar Dhawan. This delivery caught the attention of cricket pundits and highlighted Mayank’s potential as a future pace sensation.
4. Mayank Yadav (LSG) – 153.9 km/h
In the same game against PBKS, where Mayank delivered an impressive performance, he once again showcased his ability to bowl at high speeds. Not only did he claim crucial wickets, but he also consistently breached the 150 km/h mark, adding to his reputation as one of the fastest bowlers in the IPL 2024 season.
One of the standout deliveries in this match was once again against PBKS captain, Dhawan. On the last ball of Mayank’s second over, he bowled a very full delivery at a remarkable speed of 153.9 km/h. Dhawan, shuffling across the crease, tried to whip the ball but was followed by the rapid delivery. The ball had caught an inside edge as it deflected off his pad, resulting in a leg bye for a single.
5. Mayank Yadav (LSG) – 153.4 km/h
Further in the same encounter, where Mayank delivered an impressive performance, he once again showcased his ability to bowl at high speeds. On the last ball of his second over, Mayank clocked another fast delivery at 153.4 km/h. The ball was pitched on a good length outside off-stump, bowled at an astonishing speed of 153.4 km/h. Prabhsimran, facing this lightning-fast delivery, managed to chop it to the offside for a single. This delivery further cemented Mayank’s reputation as one of the fastest bowlers in the IPL 2024 season.
