Top 5 fastest Indian bowlers of all time

Pace bowlers, sometimes known as deadly guns or pace spearheads, light up cricket matches. Watching these bowlers do a long run-up and deliver the ball at high speeds is a pleasure for cricket fans. Bowlers are smashing new speed records as the game becomes more competitive and batters gain strength. The advent of talented pacers who can bowl quickly has made India the team to beat in all formats, and even India’s second-string squads have performed admirably. So, here are the top five fastest Indian bowlers in cricket history.

1. Umran Malik- 157 Kmph (Sunrisers Hyderabad) vs Delhi Capitals: IPL 2022

Umran Malik is one of India’s fastest bowlers. In September 2021, the Sunrisers Hyderabad appointed him as a short-term Covid-19 substitute for T. Natarajan. He is one of India’s quickest bowlers. On October 3, 2021, he debuted his IPL stint against the Kolkata Knight Riders.

During the 49th match of the Indian Premier League 2021, he drew notice by bowling five straight deliveries of more than 150 km/hr against SRH and RCB. On May 5, 2022, Umran bowled the fastest ball by an Indian bowler. He bowled at 157 kmph against the Delhi Capitals, making him the fastest Indian bowler in the game’s history. 

2. Mayank Yadav- 156.7 Kmph (Lucknow Supergiants) vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru: IPL 2024

Mayank Yadav has become a surprising and promising emerging player in the ongoing 2024 edition of the IPL. Kickstarting his IPL stint against the Punjab Kings, he has announced the cricketing world by scalping three wickets and winning his first Man of the Match award.

Not just limited to it, he has taken another three-wicket haul in his second match against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and was awarded his second consecutive MOM award. He has bowled a pace ball, touching a colossal speed of 156.7 Kmph against RCB in the ongoing edition. Also, Yadav happens to be the only player to reach the 155 Kmph mark the most number of times (4 times) in the tournament’s history. 

3. Irfan Pathan- 153.7 Kmph (India) vs Pakistan: ICC T20 WC 2007

Irfan Pathan, a renowned Indian all-rounder, captured the attention of millions with his left-arm bowling movement. His ability to swing the ball both ways and his line and length accuracy helped him become a mainstay on the club before numerous injuries cut short his career.

He rose to prominence due to his exceptional swing-bowling and hitting ability. He played a critical role in essential series triumphs over the first decade of this period. The fastest ball bowled by the Indian pacer was 153.7 Kmph against Pakistan in the 2007 T20 WC. 

See also: Mohammad Shami shares his recovery progress

4. Mohammed Shami- 153.2 Kmph (India) vs Australia: Border-Gavaskar Test Series 2014

Mohammed Shami is one of India’s quickest bowlers presently. The right-arm fast bowler clocks speed above 140 Kmph. Mohammed Shami is one of today’s best reverse swing bowlers, and he never fails to deliver for his side in the white jersey.

He has made significant improvements over the years, and as a result, he is also one of the best performers in shorter versions of the game. His ability to stroke the ball in both directions makes him an invaluable addition to the Indian squad. During the 2015 test series against Australia, his quickest delivery was 153.2 km/h. 

5.Jasprit Bumrah- 153.2 Kmph (India) vs Australia: Border-Gavaskar Test Series 2018

Jasprit Bumrah shares the position with Mohammed Shami, which coincidentally has the same speed of 153.2 Kmph, both coming from the Border-Gavaskar Test series but from different timelines. Regarding speed, Bumrah registered deliveries at roughly 140-150 Kmph when he was in top form.

Despite his brief run-up, during which he also walks a few feet, Bumrah creates terrific speed – something that was expected to take a toll on his back – as he bustles towards the umpire and extends his arms. Bumrah’s ability to bowl inch-perfect yorkers in the death overs has presented India with a very economical bowler in the death overs. Furthermore, his rapid and slower bouncers frequently fool the batsman.