Top 10 Fastest Ball in IPL History: Who Bowled It & When?

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been a thrilling ride for cricket fans across the world. While the sixes and centuries often steal the spotlight, the speedsters of the game have their own fanbase. Fast bowlers bring raw pace, bounce, and excitement to the match making every over feel like a rollercoaster ride.

The Top 10 Fastest Ball in IPL History, highlighting who bowled it, how fast it was, and when it happened. Whether you’re new to cricket or have been following IPL from the start, you’ll find this list fascinating!

Top 10 Fastest Ball in IPL History From 2008-2025

1. Shaun Tait – 157.71 km/h (2011)

Team: Rajasthan Royals
Against: Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals)

The title for the fastest ball in IPL history goes to Shaun Tait, the Australian speedster. Known for his express pace and slingy action, Tait clocked a stunning 157.71 km/h delivery during the 2011 season. It came against the Delhi Daredevils, and even though Tait didn’t always have the most accurate spells, when it came to speed he was unmatched.

This ball wasn’t just the fastest in IPL, but one of the quickest ever recorded in professional cricket!

2. Gerald Coetzee – 157.4 km/h (2024)

Team: Mumbai Indians
Against: Rajasthan Royals

South Africa’s young gun Gerald Coetzee made waves in the IPL 2024 season by bowling a thunderbolt at 157.4 km/h. The ball left commentators, fans, and even the batter stunned. It’s not just pace; Coetzee combines it with aggression and energy, making him a serious threat in the years to come.

With this ball, Coetzee secured the second spot in the list of fastest balls in IPL.

3. Umran Malik – 157 km/h (2022)

Team: Sunrisers Hyderabad
Against: Delhi Capitals

India’s very own speed sensation, Umran Malik, made everyone sit up and take notice during IPL 2022. He bowled a fiery delivery at 157 km/h, making it the fastest ball by an Indian in IPL history. Umran’s rise has been meteoric, and his natural pace is a rare gift.

His spell against Delhi Capitals was memorable, not just for this ball but for consistently bowling over 150 km/h throughout the match.

4. Anrich Nortje – 156.22 km/h (2020)

Team: Delhi Capitals
Against: Rajasthan Royals

Anrich Nortje from South Africa is a known name when it comes to fast bowling. In IPL 2020, he delivered a ball at 156.22 km/h against Rajasthan Royals. Interestingly, the batter on strike was Jos Buttler, who managed to scoop it for a boundary despite the high speed!

Nortje’s pace and control make him a standout fast bowler in modern cricket.

Related Read: 15 Most Successful Players of Premier League

5. Anrich Nortje – 155.1 km/h (2020)

Team: Delhi Capitals
Against: Rajasthan Royals

Yes, Nortje features again! In the same match against Rajasthan Royals, he bowled another lightning-fast ball at 155.1 km/h. That game in 2020 was like a fast-bowling masterclass, with Nortje reaching speeds most bowlers can only dream of.

His consistent pace is what makes him a regular name in the fastest ball in IPL lists.

6. Dale Steyn – 154.4 km/h (2012)

Team: Deccan Chargers
Against: Royal Challengers Bangalore

Another South African legend, Dale Steyn, brought serious heat during his IPL days. In 2012, playing for Deccan Chargers, he bowled a delivery at 154.4 km/h. It came against RCB and was part of a deadly spell that showed why Steyn was one of the greatest fast bowlers of his generation.

7. Lockie Ferguson – 153.84 km/h (2022)

Team: Gujarat Titans
Against: Rajasthan Royals

Lockie Ferguson from New Zealand has made his mark with express pace and smart variations. In the 2022 IPL Final, he bowled a delivery at 153.84 km/h, one of the quickest in that season.

His bowling helped Gujarat Titans clinch the title, and his ability to mix yorkers with bouncers made him a vital part of the team.

8. Jofra Archer – 153.62 km/h (2020)

Team: Rajasthan Royals
Against: Delhi Capitals

England’s Jofra Archer is known for his effortless pace. In IPL 2020, he bowled a scorching delivery at 153.62 km/h. It looked smooth, but it was dangerous. Archer’s relaxed run-up hides the power he generates with his wrist and shoulder.

In that season, Archer was Rajasthan’s strike bowler and earned praise from cricket experts worldwide.

9. Navdeep Saini – 152.85 km/h (2019)

Team: Royal Challengers Bangalore
Against: Sunrisers Hyderabad

Navdeep Saini, another fast Indian bowler, bowled a delivery at 152.85 km/h in IPL 2019. He might not be as famous as Bumrah or Shami, but this speed showed that India has no shortage of fast-bowling talent.

Saini impressed with his consistent bowling, and this delivery made sure his name got noticed.

10. Kagiso Rabada – 152.82 km/h (2020)

Team: Delhi Capitals
Against: Kolkata Knight Riders

Rounding off our list is Kagiso Rabada. One of South Africa’s premier pacers, Rabada delivered a 152.82 km/h ball in IPL 2020. That match saw him take crucial wickets and bowl deadly yorkers with pace and precision.

Rabada’s mix of aggression and calm mindset makes him a nightmare for any batter.

Also Read: God of IPL: Who is the Ultimate King of IPL in 2025

Honorable Mentions

A few other bowlers have come close to making it to this list. Here are some honorable mentions:

• Pat Cummins (KKR) – consistently bowls over 150 km/h.
• Mitchell Starc (RCB/Kolkata) – known for fast swinging yorkers.
• Ishant Sharma – early IPL seasons had him hitting mid-140s.

Why Fast Bowling is So Exciting in IPL?

Fast bowling in IPL is not just about speed it’s about strategy. A 150+ km/h delivery can:

• Surprise the batter
• Induce mistakes
• Create pressure
• Shift the match’s momentum

Also, the shorter T20 format gives bowlers only 4 overs, so they often go all-out with pace and energy. This makes fast bowling in IPL thrilling to watch.

How Do They Measure Ball Speed in IPL?

The speed of a ball is measured using radar gun technology. These are special devices installed near the field, often behind the bowler’s arm. When the ball is released, the radar gun captures its speed right off the hand.

So, every time you see a bowler hitting 150 km/h, that’s a real-time measurement using high-tech gear.

Indian Fast Bowlers to Watch

IPL has given Indian cricket a fresh batch of fast bowlers who can compete with the world. Some current names to keep an eye on:

• Umran Malik – Already breaking records with his speed.
• Mohsin Khan – Silent but dangerous.
• Arshdeep Singh – Consistent and clever.
• Mayank Yadav – Emerging with raw pace and fire.

The future looks bright for Indian fast bowling!

Also Read: Which is the Worst Team in IPL History?

Summary

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has seen some jaw-dropping fast bowling over the years. From Shaun Tait’s record-breaking 157.71 km/h delivery in 2011 to rising stars like Umran Malik and Gerald Coetzee touching the 157 km/h mark, the tournament has always had its share of speed demons.

This list of the Top 10 Fastest Balls in IPL History includes both global legends and exciting young talent. With modern technology and fitness levels improving, we can expect these records to be challenged in every new season. One thing’s for sure pace bowling will always be one of the most thrilling parts of IPL cricket.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Fastest Ball in IPL

Q1. Who bowled the fastest ball in IPL history?

Shaun Tait holds the record for the fastest ball in IPL history. He bowled a delivery at 157.71 km/h in 2011 for Rajasthan Royals.

Q2. Which Indian bowler has bowled the fastest delivery in IPL?

Umran Malik is the fastest Indian bowler in IPL. He clocked 157 km/h during the 2022 season while playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Q3. Is 157 km/h the fastest ball in cricket overall?

No. While it’s one of the fastest in IPL, the fastest ball in international cricket was bowled by Shoaib Akhtar at 161.3 km/h in 2003.

Q4. How is bowling speed measured in IPL?

Bowling speed is measured using radar guns placed near the field. These devices capture the speed of the ball at the point of release from the bowler’s hand.

Q5. Which team has had the most fast bowlers in IPL?

Teams like Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, and Rajasthan Royals have consistently picked fast bowlers like Nortje, Coetzee, and Archer. They are known for backing pace.

Q6. Can fast bowlers dominate in T20 cricket like IPL?

Absolutely! Fast bowlers can set the tone early, take quick wickets in power plays, and bowl deadly yorkers in the death overs. Speed remains a game-changer.

Q7. Who is the fastest bowler in IPL 2024 so far?

Gerald Coetzee of Mumbai Indians bowled the fastest ball in IPL 2024, clocking 157.4 km/h.