Fast bowling is a vital component of any successful cricket team and India has produced some of the fastest bowlers in the world. In this article, we will take a look at the top five fastest bowlers in India based on their fastest deliveries. These bowlers are known for their speed, accuracy, and ability to take wickets.
All Time Top 5 Fastest Bowlers in Cricket History
| Bowler | Fastest Delivery | Country | Against | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shoaib Akhtar | 161.3 km/hr (100.2 mph) | Pakistan | England | 2003 |
| Shaun Tait | 161.1 km/hr (100.1 mph) | Australia | England | 2010 |
| Brett Lee | 161.1 km/hr (100.1 mph) | Australia | New Zealand | 2005 |
| Jeffrey Thomson | 160.6 km/hr (99.8 mph) | Australia | West Indies | 1975 |
| Mitchell Starc | 160.4 km/hr (99.7 mph) | Australia | New Zealand | 2015 |
5. Mitchell Starc
The Australian bowler recorded his fastest delivery of 160.4 km/hr (99.7 mph) against New Zealand in 2015. Starc is known for his ability to swing the ball both ways and his accuracy at hitting the top of off-stump, making him an important member of Australia’s fast bowling attack.
4. Jeff Thomson
The Australian bowler recorded his fastest delivery of 160.6 km/hr (99.8 mph) against West Indies in 1975. Thomson’s ability to generate raw pace and steep bounce made him a difficult bowler to face, and he is considered one of the greatest fast bowlers in the history of the game.
3. Brett Lee
The Australian bowler holds the third spot in the list of fastest bowlers with a delivery speed of 161.1 km/hr (100.1 mph) against New Zealand in 2005. Lee is known for his ability to bowl at a high speed and generate movement off the pitch, making him an important member of Australia’s fast bowling attack.
2. Shaun Tait
The Australian bowler holds the second spot with his fastest delivery of 161.1 km/hr (100.1 mph) against England in 2010. Tait is known for his ability to generate raw pace and movement off the pitch, making him a difficult opponent for any batsman to face.
1. Shoaib Akhtar
The Pakistani bowler known as the “Rawalpindi Express” holds the record for the fastest delivery ever bowled in international cricket, clocking in at 161.3 km/hr (100.2 mph) against England in 2003. He is considered one of the greatest fast bowlers in the history of the game, known for his ability to generate raw pace and swing with the ball.
Top 5 Fastest Bowlers in Team India 2023
| Rank | Bowler | Fastest Delivery/Ball | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Umran Malik | 157 km/hr | 2022 |
| 2 | Irfan Pathan | 153.7 km/hr | 2007 |
| 3 | Mohammed Shami | 153.3 km/hr | 2014 |
| 4 | Jasprit Bumrah | 153.26 km/hr | 2018 |
| 5 | Navdeep Saini | 152.85 km/hr | 2019 |
5. Navdeep Saini
He made his debut in 2019 and has been impressive since then. Saini recorded his fastest delivery of 152.85 km/hr in 2019. With his pace and accuracy, Saini is a valuable addition to the Indian fast bowling attack.
4. Jasprit Bumrah
He is widely regarded as one of the best fast bowlers in the world. With a delivery speed of 153.26 km/hr in 2018, Bumrah is known for his ability to swing the ball both ways and his accuracy at hitting the top of off-stump. He has been the backbone of Indian fast bowling in all formats of the game. With his unorthodox action, he makes it hard for the batsmen to pick him.
3. Mohammed Shami
He is another fast bowler who has been a regular member of the Indian team in recent years. Shami recorded his fastest delivery of 153.3 km/hr in 2014. He is known for his ability to generate late swing with the ball, making it difficult for the batsmen to score runs. He is also known for his ability to bowl long spells, making him an invaluable asset to the team.
2. Irfan Pathan
He is a left-arm fast bowler and known for his ability to swing the ball both ways. He recorded his fastest delivery of 153.7 km/hr in 2007 which still stands as one of the fastest by an Indian bowler. Pathan has the ability to surprise the batsmen with his variations, making him an unpredictable bowler.
1. Umran Malik
He tops the list of India’s fastest bowlers with a delivery speed of 157 km/hr. This was recorded in the year 2022 and it’s the highest recorded speed of any Indian Bowler. Malik is known for his ability to generate raw pace and swing with the ball, making him a difficult opponent for any batsman to face.
Top 5 Fastest Bowlers in IPL (Indian Premier League)
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is known for its high-octane cricket and fast-paced action. One of the most exciting aspects of the IPL is the fast bowling, with some of the world’s best fast bowlers showcasing their skills on the field.
| Bowler | Fastest Ball Bowled (km/hr) | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Shaun Tait | 157.7 | 2011 |
| Lockie Ferguson | 157.3 | 2022 |
| Umran Malik | 157 | 2022 |
| Anrich Nortje | 156.2 | 2022 |
| Umran Malik | 156 | 2022 |
5. Umran Malik
He recorded the fifth-fastest delivery of 156 km/hr during the 2022 season. Malik is known for his ability to generate raw pace and swing with the ball, making him a difficult opponent for any batsman to face.
4. Anrich Nortje
South Africa’s bowler recorded the fourth-fastest delivery of 156.2 km/hr during the 2022 season. Nortje is known for his ability to generate raw pace and steep bounce which makes it difficult for the batsmen to score runs. He is a vital member of his team’s fast bowling attack in the league.
3. Umran Malik
The Indian and SRH bowler recorded the third fastest delivery in IPL history of 157 km/hr during the 2022 season. Malik is known for his ability to generate raw pace and swing with the ball, making him a difficult opponent for any batsman to face. His ability to surprise the batsmen with his variations, makes him an unpredictable bowler.
2. Lockie Ferguson
The New Zealand bowler recorded the second-fastest delivery of 157.3 km/hr during the 2022 season. He is known for his ability to generate raw pace and steep bounce which makes it difficult for the batsmen to score runs. He has been a vital part of his team’s success in the league.
1. Shaun Tait
The Australian bowler recorded the fastest delivery in IPL of 157.7 km/hr during the 2011 season. Tait is known for his ability to generate raw pace and movement off the pitch, making him a difficult opponent for any batsman to face.
Conclusion
In conclusion, fast bowling is a crucial aspect of any successful cricket team, and over the years, we have seen many fast bowlers dominate the game with their speed and accuracy. The above table lists the top 5 fastest bowlers in the world and their fastest deliveries, it’s not the only criteria to judge a fast bowler, there are several other aspects such as consistency, accuracy, wicket-taking ability, and ability to bowl in different conditions which contribute to the success of a fast bowler.
As of IPL 2023, the Indian team and IPL have a lot of potential fast bowlers that can make an impact in the game. These bowlers have played a vital role in the success of their respective teams, and their speed, accuracy, and ability to take wickets have made them a force to be reckoned with in the cricketing world. Fans can look forward to seeing these fast bowlers in action in the upcoming IPL 2023 and future matches, as they continue to thrill audiences with their powerful deliveries.
