The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a 15-member squad for the ODI series against New Zealand. Captain Shubman Gill and vice-captain Shreyas Iyer have returned to the team after recovering from injuries. They have replaced Tilak Varma and Ruturaj Gaikwad in the squad.

Meanwhile, all-rounder Hardik Pandya and fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah have been rested for the three-match series.

The first ODI against New Zealand will be played in Vadodara on Sunday, January 11. The second and third ODIs will be held in Rajkot and Indore on January 14 and January 18, respectively.

In this article, we take a look at four star Indian players who were ignored by the selectors despite strong performances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. 

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1. Sanju Samson

Sanju Samson made a strong return to List-A cricket by scoring 101 runs off 95 balls against Jharkhand in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. His innings included three sixes and nine fours. Kerala won the match by eight wickets.

This was Samson’s fourth List-A century. He last played an ODI for India in 2023, when he scored 108 against South Africa in Paarl. The 31-year-old has scored 510 runs in 16 ODIs at an average of 56.66, including one century and three half-centuries.

Despite this, Rishabh Pant has kept his place as the backup wicketkeeper to KL Rahul in the Indian team.

2. Tilak Varma

Hyderabad captain Tilak Varma scored his sixth List-A century against Chandigarh in the Vijay Hazare Trophy on Saturday, January 3. The left-handed batter made 109 runs off 118 balls, hitting three sixes and six fours. His knock helped Hyderabad register their first win of the tournament by 136 runs.

Tilak Varma recently played in the ODI series against South Africa. He was included in the playing XI for the third ODI, but India did not need him to bat. Even after his strong domestic form, he was left out of the ODI squad, which came as a surprise.

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3. Axar Patel

Gujarat all-rounder Axar Patel scored his maiden List-A century against Andhra in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He smashed 130 runs off 111 balls, including five sixes and ten fours.

Axar also impressed with the ball, picking up 2 wickets for 27 runs in six overs. His all-round performance helped Gujarat win the match by seven runs.

Axar last played an ODI series for India against Australia, where he took three wickets in three matches. He also scored 31 and 44 in two innings. However, Ravindra Jadeja replaced him in the next ODI series against South Africa and has kept his place in the squad against New Zealand.

4. Mohammad Shami

Mohammad Shamicontinued his good form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, taking 3 wickets for 55 runs as Bengal defeated Assam by 85 runs. He has picked up 11 wickets in five matches at an economy rate of 5.65 in the tournament.

Shami was also impressive in the 2025 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he took 16 wickets in seven matches at an economy rate of 8.93. In the ongoing 2025–26 Ranji Trophy season, he has taken 20 wickets in four matches.

Despite his consistent performances, the selectors have ignored him. India have continued with Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana for the ODI series against New Zealand. Shami last played an ODI against New Zealand during the 2025 Champions Trophy, where India went on to win the title.

Team India enjoyed a strong year in ODIs in 2025. The Men in Blue played 14 matches, winning 11 and losing only three. They finished the year with an impressive win percentage of 78.57.

India began 2025 with a 3–0 ODI series win over England at home. They then remained unbeaten in the Champions Trophy held in the UAE. Later in the year, Team India lost the ODI series in Australia by 2–1. However, they ended the year on a positive note with a 2–1 home series win against South Africa.

Among the bowlers, young pacer Harshit Rana emerged as India’s leading wicket-taker in ODIs in 2025. In 11 matches, he took 20 wickets at an average of 25.55. Left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav finished second on the list, claiming 19 wickets in 11 games at an average of 29.

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Ravindra Jadeja took 12 wickets, while Mohammad Shami and Axar Patel picked up 11 wickets each to complete the top five list.

Indian bowlers delivered several match-winning performances in ODIs during 2025. In this feature, we take a look at the top five ODI bowling performances by Team India in the year.

1. Mohammad Shami (5-53) vs Bangladesh, Dubai

Veteran pacer Mohammad Shami played seven ODIs for Team India in 2025. He picked up 11 wickets at an average of 30.63 and an economy rate of 5.92. Nine of his wickets came in the Champions Trophy in Dubai.

Shami delivered an excellent spell of 5-53 from 10 overs against Bangladesh in the group-stage match. Bangladesh batted first after winning the toss, but Shami’s five-wicket haul restricted them to 228 runs.

He dismissed Soumya Sarkar in the first over, caught behind. He then removed Mehidy Hasan Miraz (5) at slip with a fine outswinger. Shami also picked up the wickets of Jaker Ali (68), Tanzim Hasan Sakib (0), and Taskin Ahmed (3). India chased the target comfortably, with Shubman Gill scoring an unbeaten 101 off 129 balls.

2. Prasidh Krishna (4-66) vs South Africa, Visakhapatnam

Team India pacer Prasidh Krishna had a challenging ODI season in 2025, especially in terms of economy rate. The right-arm fast bowler took eight wickets in four matches at an average of 31.37 and an economy rate of 7.72.

Prasidh’s best performance came in the deciding ODI against South Africa in Visakhapatnam, where he returned figures of 4-66. Although he conceded runs, he picked up key wickets.

India bowled first, and Prasidh trapped Matthew Breetzke (24) lbw. He then forced Aiden Markram (1) into a false shot before dismissing Quinton de Kock, who scored 106. South Africa were restricted to 270, which India chased down in 39.5 overs.

3. Harshit Rana (4-39) vs Australia, Sydney

Young pacer Harshit Rana faced criticism for inconsistent performances across formats. However, finishing 2025 as India’s leading ODI wicket-taker highlighted his impact.

Harshit starred with figures of 4-39 against Australia in Sydney, helping India avoid a 3-0 series whitewash. Australia opted to bat first, and Harshit struck early by dismissing Alex Carey (24), with a brilliant catch by Shreyas Iyer.

He then removed Mitchell Owen (1) at slip and later dismissed Cooper Connolly (23) and Josh Hazlewood (0). Australia were bowled out for 236, and India chased the target in 38.3 overs.

4. Kuldeep Yadav (3-40) vs Pakistan, Dubai

Kuldeep Yadav delivered several strong spells in ODIs in 2025. While he had four-wicket hauls against South Africa earlier in the year, his best effort came against Pakistan in Dubai during the Champions Trophy.

Kuldeep returned figures of 3-40 from nine overs. He dismissed Salman Agha (19), trapped Shaheen Shah Afridi lbw on the first ball, and removed Naseem Shah (14). Pakistan were restricted to 241 after looking set for a bigger total. India chased the target easily, led by a century from Virat Kohli.

5. Varun Chakaravarthy (5-42) vs New Zealand, Dubai

Varun Chakaravarthy impressed in limited ODI appearances in 2025. In four matches, he took 10 wickets at an average of 19 and an economy rate of 4.75.

His best performance came against New Zealand in Dubai, where he claimed 5-42. Chasing 250, New Zealand were bowled out for 205 in 45.3 overs.

Chakaravarthy dismissed Will Young (22) with a googly, trapped Glenn Phillips (12) lbw, removed Michael Bracewell (2), and then picked up Mitchell Santner (28) and Matt Henry (2) to complete a match-winning spell.

In another high-profile deal of an India player, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have agreed to trade the premier pacer, Mohammad Shami, to the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). The reports have claimed that it would be an all-cash deal with the Lucknow side paying INR 10 crore, the price Shami was bought for in the mega auction of the IPL 2025 last year.

Both franchises have agreed on the principle of the trade, pending Shami’s consent. The league has set 3 pm on November 15 as the deadline for the franchise to submit the list of players they would release for the 2026 season. He didn’t get his spot back for the national side in the longest format despite looking in a decent rhythm.

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Last year, the Bengal pacer played nine of SRH’s 14 encounters and took only six wickets at an average of 56.16 with an economy rate of 11.23. His economy at the Ranjiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad was 12.35 as he went for 0/75 in the second-most expensive spell of IPL history against the Punjab Kings.

Mohammad Shami traded to Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2026

Shami made a strong impact for the Gujarat Titans during the 2022-24 season. In 2022 and 2023, he picked up 28 wickets in the first six overs; the next best of the phase was Trent Boult with 20 wickets, while Mohammad Siraj grabbed 15 wickets. He missed the IPL 2024 with an injury before going through a woeful performance in 2025.

At LSG, Shami will rejoin the forces of the former India bowling head coach, Bharat Arun, who is the talent development head of the franchise. Arun worked impressively and incredibly hard with Shami, Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav, and Mohammad Siraj to enhance their skills with the bat.

Shami is the second big-player trade this week, with the first one being Chennai Super Kings’ Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran swapping with Sanju Samson. Shami will now play under the leadership of Rishabh Pant as they look for a better performance in the upcoming edition.

The talk of the town ahead of the two-match Test series between India and South Africa was the exclusion of Mohammad Shami, who, despite the national side playing a Test match at his domestic ground, Eden Gardens in Kolkata, is still linked with Bengal for the Ranji Trophy 2025/26 season. 

Mohammad Shami has already breathed fire in the event, but despite that, he has been overlooked by the BCCI selection committee and management in the longest format for nearly two years. He played his last Test match against Australia during the WTC 2021-23 final in South London. Now, Shami’s former team-mate, Cheteshwar Pujara, has sent a blunt message to the selectors ahead of the Protea series.

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“Someone like Mohammed Shami should be having – I mean, the selectors and the team management should have a very honest conversation with him. What’s the plan going forward? Whether they want to pick him or whether they are looking at the young players.” Pujara expressed during an interaction on JioHotstar.

Cheteshwar Pujara reacts to Mohammad Shami’s exclusion from South Africa Test series

Shami has played 64 Test matches so far in his career, picking up 229 wickets at an average of around 28 and a strike rate of 50 with six five-wicket hauls. India’s captain, Shubman Gill, has also rated the 35-year-old as a quality bowler on the eve of the Kolkata Test, besides highlighting their wish to put weight on the youngsters.

“If he is being informed that they are not looking at him, then it is always Shami’s personal call whether he wants to carry on playing first-class cricket, whether he still wants to – I mean, he is part of the IPL as well. So, he would want to carry on playing cricket.” Pujara mentioned in the same interaction.

“There aren't many bowlers of his (Mohammed Shami’s) quality around. But you have to take into consideration the bowlers that are playing right now. They have done such a terrific job. You can't ignore the performances of someone like Akash Deep or someone like Prasidh.” Gill shed light in the press conference.

India’s veteran right-arm pacer, Mohammad Shami, has been out of the national side’s Test set-up for a long time. His last international red-ball clash came in 2023 during the World Test Championship (WTC) final in South London against Australia. But despite being fit, the right-arm pacer missed the last trip down under and the away England series. 

Shami has overall picked up 229 wickets in 122 innings for India in Tests at an average of around 28 and a strike rate of 50 with the help of six five-wicket hauls at the best of 6/56 in an inning. However, despite his continuous success in the Ranji Trophy 2025/26, picking 15 wickets in three games for Bengal, Shami has been ignored from the eleven.

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“There have been multiple times that national selectors and support staff from the BCCI Centre of Excellence have called to check on Shami. The selection committee was desperate to get his services in England, as Jasprit Bumrah could not have played more than three Tests. Who wouldn’t want a bowler of his calibre in English conditions?” The board official expressed, as quoted by PTI.

Mohammad Shami’s shocking decision pushes his exit from national Test side- Reports

Shami has picked up 15 wickets for Bengal, including a fifer against Gujarat, as he remained wicketless against Tripura but decided not to play the ongoing clash against the Railways. However, over the last three weeks, he has bowled 93 overs with the red ball. But the question stands whether he would again feature for the Indian side in the longest format.

“So the narrative that there was no communication with Shami isn’t an absolute truth. The sports science team also has his medical reports and whether his body will be able to take the rigors of international cricket.” The reports claimed that Shami had perhaps played the last game for the national side in Tests.

The veteran, who featured in the Champions Trophy 2025 in March this year, has made himself available for the Ranji Trophy clash against Assam, which will be followed by the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025-26 against Baroda, starting on November 26.

India’s chief selector, Ajit Agarkar, has finally spoken about Mohammed Shami being left out of India’s upcoming white-ball tour of Australia. He made it clear that Shami’s exclusion was only because of fitness issues. “If he was fit, he would have been on the plane,” Agarkar said at the NDTV World Summit 2025 on Friday.

Shami had earlier expressed his frustration on social media, saying that his performances for Bengal in the ongoing Ranji Trophy show he is fully fit. He also added that it’s not his job to update the selectors about his fitness. The fast bowler has been struggling with ankle and knee problems after surgery following the 2023 ODI World Cup.

Ajit Agarkar Opens Up on Mohammed Shami’s ODI Squad Omission

Agarkar responded calmly, saying, “If he wants to talk to me, I’m always available. I’ve had several chats with him over the past few months. I can’t comment on everything he says online, but the door is always open for him.” He also praised Shami’s contribution to Indian cricket. “He has been an incredible performer for India. Even before the England tour, we said if he was fit, he would have played. Unfortunately, he wasn’t.”

AJIT AGARKAR ABOUT SHAMI VIA NDTV:

"He has been an incredible performer for India. If he said something, maybe that is a conversation for me to have with him or him to have with me but even before England, we said if he was fit, he would have been on that plane. Unfortunately,… pic.twitter.com/8bEDAiDsTz

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 17, 2025

Shami’s progress in domestic cricket will be closely watched in the coming weeks. He is currently playing for Bengal against Uttarakhand in the Ranji Trophy, and selectors might consider him for the South Africa Test series if he stays fit. Agarkar added that Shami was considered for the Australia tour, but his fitness held him back. “We wanted him on the team, even for the last Australia tour, but he wasn’t fully fit. If he stays fit in the coming months, things could be different,” he said.

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India’s tour of Australia starts on October 19 with three ODIs, followed by five T20Is. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will return to the team, while Shubman Gill will lead India in ODIs.

The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) delivered thrilling encounters between the 10 participating teams. With the IPL 2026 auction approaching, anticipation is building among cricket fans for another electrifying season of T20 cricket. The auction is expected to bring fresh changes as franchises strategise to strengthen their squads and address performance gaps from the previous season.

In IPL 2025, while some players maintained top form and others made strong comebacks, a few struggled to meet expectations. Their underwhelming performances have almost sealed their fate, making them likely candidates for release ahead of the IPL 2026 player auction.

Quinton de Kock (KKR)

Quinton de Kock, the dynamic South African opener, played a pivotal role for Mumbai Indians (MI) during his stint from 2019 to 2021, amassing 1,329 runs. His back-to-back 500+ run seasons in 2019 and 2020 were instrumental in MI’s consecutive title triumphs. Later, with Lucknow Super Giants, he continued his strong run, scoring 901 runs over three seasons, showcasing consistency at the top.

Ahead of IPL 2025, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), fresh off their 2024 title win, sought a power-packed opener after releasing Phil Salt. They secured de Kock for INR 3.60 crore. However, he struggled to deliver, managing only 152 runs in eight matches at a modest strike rate of 129.91, falling short of expectations.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (KKR)

Rahmanullah Gurbaz earned his first IPL contract worth INR 50 lakh but could only muster 289 runs in 14 matches across two seasons for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Despite his modest returns, the franchise retained faith in his abilities, repurchasing him for INR 2 crore in the IPL 2025 auction. Initially left out of the playing XI, Gurbaz was brought in mid-season to replace the struggling Quinton de Kock.

Unfortunately, the 23-year-old Afghan opener couldn’t justify the management’s trust. His poor run continued as he managed just 74 runs in five matches, extending his lean patch and failing to make the desired impact at the top of the order.

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Venkatesh Iyer (KKR)

Venkatesh Iyer, the talented left-hander from Madhya Pradesh, became a standout discovery for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) during the second half of IPL 2021 in the UAE. Scoring 370 runs in just 10 matches, he quickly cemented his place as a key member of the squad. His impactful performances, including a vital role in KKR’s 2024 title win, convinced the franchise to bring him back for the latest season.

After a fierce bidding war with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), KKR secured Venkatesh for a staggering INR 23.75 crore. However, his 2025 campaign proved disappointing, with only 142 runs in 11 matches and a demotion from his usual No.3 spot. With RCB still keen to acquire him for the IPL 2026 auction, his departure from the KKR setup now appears almost certain.

Rahul Tripathi (CSK)

Former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) batter Rahul Tripathi was picked up by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for INR 3.40 crore ahead of IPL 2025. Prior to that, Tripathi had an underwhelming three-year run with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), where he managed 165 runs in six appearances during IPL 2024 at an impressive strike rate of 143.48. His attacking intent had kept him in demand across franchises, but CSK expected him to deliver consistency as a middle-order option in their batting setup for the new season.

However, the move did not go as planned for either the player or the franchise. Tripathi failed to make any significant contributions, scoring just 55 runs in five matches for CSK at a modest strike rate of 96.49. His lack of form was one of many setbacks that troubled CSK during a difficult campaign. With the franchise already eyeing a revamp, it appears likely that Tripathi could be released before the IPL 2026 auction as the team looks to rebuild.

Mohammed Shami (SRH)

Mohammed Shami enjoyed a brilliant two-year stint with Gujarat Titans (GT), where he picked up 48 wickets and played a key role in their success. Unfortunately, an ankle injury forced him to miss the entire IPL 2024 season. Ahead of IPL 2025, GT decided to release the veteran pacer during the mega auction. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), however, showed immense faith in his abilities and bought him for a massive INR 10 crore, expecting him to strengthen their pace attack.

But Shami’s comeback did not go as planned. The experienced seamer struggled to find his rhythm and looked far from his best. In nine outings, he managed only six wickets while conceding runs at an expensive economy rate of 11.23. Eventually, he was dropped from the playing XI as SRH sought better options. Given his lackluster returns and high price tag, Shami’s underwhelming season has almost confirmed his release from the Orange Army ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.

Fast bowler Mohammad Shami was not included in India’s squad for the recent Test series against England. The series concluded in a 2-2 tie, with both sides evenly matched. Shami’s absence was felt due to his experience and strong track record.

Following the conclusion of the series, reports emerged about a discussion between a BCCI official and Shami before the tour. The discussion reportedly focused on Shami’s fitness and his potential role before the England Test series. This dialogue seemed to have influenced the selection decisions, leading to Shami being left out.

While the exact details of the discussion remain unclear, it highlighted the challenges and considerations the team management faces in balancing player form, fitness, and strategy. Shami’s exclusion sparked debates among fans and experts, but India’s strong performance throughout the series showcased the depth in their bowling lineup.

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BCCI Consulted Shami Before Finalizing England Test Squad:

According to the report, the selectors spoke with Mohammad Shami before finalizing the England Test squad. However, the official stated that Shami lacked confidence at the time. The decision to exclude him was not based on his performance but rather concerns about his fitness and self-belief.

Shami’s most recent Test appearance for India was in the 2023 World Test Championship final versus Australia at The Oval. Since then, he has missed key home series against New Zealand and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia due to fitness issues and form concerns.

The official added that age played a role in the decision, as Mohammad Shami is nearing 35. The selectors preferred to focus on younger bowlers who could serve the team for several more years. This long-term approach influenced their choices for the squad.

During the England series, the absence of an experienced pacer was noticeable. Jasprit Bumrah managed his workload and played only three of the five Tests, leaving much of the bowling responsibility on Mohammed Siraj. Siraj often carried the pressure of leading the attack throughout the series, highlighting the need for a senior fast bowler in the team.

Shami Might be Seen in Duleep Trophy:

Mohammad Shami has been away from India’s Test squad for more than two years. Eager to prove himself again, he is set to make a comeback in red-ball cricket through the 2025-26 Duleep Trophy. Starting August 28, this key domestic tournament will feature him representing the East Zone team.

In the previous season, Shami appeared in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy representing Bengal but featured in just one match against Madhya Pradesh. The upcoming Duleep Trophy offers him a valuable chance to regain form and catch the selectors’ attention for future Test opportunities.

Shami made his Test debut back in 2013 against the West Indies. Over his career, he has played 64 Tests, taking 229 wickets at an average of 27.71. His record includes six five-wicket hauls, showcasing his skill and impact as a frontline pacer for India.

The Indian team has entered a new phase as India is up against England under the captaincy of a new skipper, Shubman Gill. Whenever the Indian team has played against the Three Lions in England, we have witnessed some exciting moments.

In this article, we discuss three Indian bowlers who have claimed the highest wickets in testing and challenging English conditions. The bowlers mentioned in the list have showcased ice-cool temperament and used their bowling skills cleverly to outfox the English batters. We discuss these bowlers in detail:

1.Ishant Sharma (51 Wickets in 15 Tests)

Ishant Sharma has bowled well in seaming English conditions as the pacer has claimed 51 wickets in 15 tests that he has played in England against England. During the Lord's test in July 2014, he registered figures of 7/74 in the second innings, helping India win by 95 runs.

Sharma troubled English batters with his swing, pace and bounce as he used his length to good effect. He claimed 18 wickets during the 2018 tour of England and toured England four times.

2. Kapil Dev (43 Wickets in 13 Tests)

Former India all-rounder showcased impressive skills when it came to causing problems with his clever outswingers or leg cutters. He could generate pace even on slow wickets. The former India captain toured England four times with two five-wicket hauls.

He registered his best figures of 5/125 during the Lord's Test in June 1982. Kapil Dev claimed 43 wickets in 13 tests he played in England against England. The Haryana Hurricane, as he was fondly called during his playing days, claimed 16 wickets during India's tour of England.

3. Mohammad Shami (42 Wickets in 14 Tests)

Mohammad Shami has produced some impressive performances with his clever seam movements combined with his pace in testing English conditions. The 36-year-old pacer toured England three times, claiming 42 wickets in 14 tests. 

Shami registered his best bowling figures in tests in England in 2014 when he registered figures of 4/57 at the Rose Bowl in Southampton. During the 2018 series, he registered 16 wickets in 5 tests.

The beautiful game of cricket has several intricacies, and fast bowling is one aspect that offers it sheer brilliance and sensation. Seeing a bowler at his mark, loading up with the ball as ammunition, striding ahead towards the crease, and delivering fast is an electrifying sight. Stepping up, setting the speed gun on fire, and hitting the top mark, visible as speed on the big screen, is an incredible moment in the game. As exciting as it can get, the chill of pace bowling is an immense source of adrenaline among the players and viewers. 

To master the skills of fast bowling, it takes a great amount of hard work, practice, rhythm, momentum, and innumerable accurate run-ups. To bowl the fastest ball in the match and for the history books is a beholding sight and requires immaculate strategies, strength, and consistency. To be counted as one of the fastest bowlers in the cricket world is a matter of humongous pride and an indication of pure greatness. 

Creating dread among the batters and overpowering them in the modern formats of the game is quite tough. Speed bowling is one tool, if employed and executed at its best, can bundle out the opposition in a jiffy. The protagonists of these are a rare species of players who possess the ball like venom and have set records for the same. Here is a look at the top ten fastest bowlers in the world who are currently in the game and actively plying their trade. 

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Mitchell Starc

The tall and lanky left-arm fast bowling sensation from Australia often takes the cricketing universe by storm because of his sensational pace. He is currently the fastest bowler in the world, having clocked an unimaginable speed of 99.7 miles per hour in a test match against New Zealand in 2015. His average speeds are in the high 140s kph, and his smooth action makes him look aesthetic while delivering balls. When he spearheads the bowling attack of any team, a fear is instilled among the batters, and this attribute has made him one of the highest wicket-takers for his nation, currently at 382 wickets in tests. His potent fitness while being a pacer is a testament to his focused approach towards meticulous practice, planning, and workload management. 

Haris Rauf

The skiddy bowler from Pakistan is a white ball specialist. He began his international career as a T20 player and soon got opportunities in the ODI circuit as well. He is tall, bangs the surface hard, and extracts extra bounce off the pitch. In a match against England in the 2022 ICC T20 World Cup, Australia, he bowled at 99 miles per hour, sending rocket waves across the bowling fraternity. He is a regular player in his national side and has accumulated 206 wickets, so far, in limited-overs cricket. His average bowling speed nears 150 kmph on many occasions. 

Lockie Ferguson

The Kiwi bowler is a great customer of batters' wickets. His sheer pace, complemented by impeccable bounce, line, and length, makes it extremely tough to score against him. His rhythmic bowling action makes his task look effortless. He regularly plays in the IPL and is a great asset for any team. Once in the 2022 season, playing for the Gujarat Titans against the Rajasthan Royals, he produced a magical delivery worth 157.3 kmph and set the speed gun ablaze. For New Zealand, he has, so far, taken 163 wickets in white ball cricket.

Umran Malik

The speedster from Jammu and Kashmir was the talk of the town even before his debut in professional cricket. His raw pace, coupled with youthful energy, made him a fast bowling sensation. This put him in the category of a rare breed of pacers, an asset that could serve India and IPL cricket for years to come. In the 2022 IPL season, playing for the Sunrisers Hyderabad against the Delhi Capitals, he bowled a superfast delivery, measured at 157 kmph in the speed metrics. It became the second fastest ball in that season and earned him a place in the National side. He, however, has been very unfortunate with injuries and has missed out on a lot of game time over the years, hoping to return very soon and produce similar goods for which he became popular. 

Mayank Yadav

Mayank Yadav rose in the ranks while playing for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the 2024 season of IPL. His impressive performances from the time he got an opportunity made the cricket pundits and viewers talk about him quite a lot on social media. In a match against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, he clocked a top speed of 156.7 kmph and took everyone by surprise. Delivering that fast at a tender age and also scalping a few wickets made him a player to watch out for ahead. He, too, has lacked the rub of the green in his strides and has dealt with injuries very frequently. 

Mark Wood

The English quick is one of the fastest bowlers in the world and among only a few who possess the ability to turn the tide in his team's favour purely by fiery pace bowling. He sprints like an athlete and delivers fire. At times, his absence from the England team make their attack look bleak and without any venom. Of late, his improved fitness has made him play a lot more matches than he used to in the past, and that is good for the game itself. During the test tour of Pakistan in 2022, he bowled a ball at 156.6 kmph and became the fastest bowler in England's history. He has taken 255 wickets across formats for his nation yet. 

Anrich Nortje

The South African right-arm speedster has an average bowling speed of around 150 kmph. His bowling resonates with business, and so does his serious looks. Playing for the Delhi Capitals and bowling to Rajasthan Royals' Jos Buttler, he sent waves across the world by recording a gobsmacking speed of 156.22 kmph. The Protea pacer, however, has been less economical over the years and has gone for a few in his overs on numerous occasions. Injuries have pegged him back quite a lot. He currently bowls quick but needs to be smart enough in disguising the batters to sustain himself further in the game. 

Kagiso Rabada

Another bowler hailing from South Africa is an all-format player for the National side. Known for his consistency, Rabada has been a go-to bowler for whichever team he has played in, at all levels. He might lack express pace when compared to other bowlers in the list, but if coupled with the right line and lengths, it apparently seems quite threatening. In IPL 2019, he produced a delivery having a speed of 154.23 kmph. Kagiso has 327 test wickets to his name. 

Jofra Archer

The Caribbean-born pacer became eligible to play for England in 2019 and was fast-tracked into the National side just before the ODI World Cup scheduled in the same year. This news sent seismic waves across the cricket world, and Jofra Archer has been associated with sheer pace since his inception. His raw speed and unparalleled accuracy make it a nightmare for opposition batters, and time and again, he has displayed that. 2019 was a glorious year for him, and he made his name by performing impressively well in the World Cup and the Ashes. 

Mohammad Shami

The Indian pace bowler is known to have the best seam position of the ball. He makes the ball talk at his own will, seaming and swinging notoriously. Delivered at a great pace, it becomes extremely difficult for the batters to negotiate his overs and spells, especially in the longest format of the game. His action is flawless and equivalent to poetry in cricket. His skills affirm the fact that fast bowling is all about rhythm. For India, Shami has struck 462 times across the three formats.