The fastest ball in IPL history stands at an incredible 157.71 kmph, bowled by Australian speedster Shaun Tait in 2011. This record has remained unbroken for over 13 years, cementing Tait’s legacy as one of cricket’s greatest pace bowlers.
The fastest ball in IPL represents the peak of raw bowling talent in T20 cricket. Since the league’s inception in 2008, the tournament has become a testing ground for the world’s fastest bowlers.
Speed generates fear and creates matchups that captivate cricket fans globally. The fastest deliveries in IPL history have produced iconic moments that define the tournament’s legacy.
| Record Holder | Speed (kmph) | Team | Opposition | Year |
| Shaun Tait | 157.71 | Rajasthan Royals | Delhi Daredevils | 2011 |
| Gerald Coetzee | 157.4 | Mumbai Indians | Rajasthan Royals | 2024 |
| Lockie Ferguson | 157.3 | Gujarat Titans | Rajasthan Royals | 2022 |
| Umran Malik | 157.0 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Delhi Capitals | 2022 |
Shaun Tait: The Record Holder
Shaun Tait’s fastest ball in IPL remains unmatched since April 12, 2011. The Australian speedster unleashed a 157.71 kmph thunderbolt against Delhi Daredevils at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.
Tait bowled this record-breaking delivery against batsman Aaron Finch in an opening spell. The raw aggression and fierce execution became the benchmark for IPL pace bowling.
Playing for Rajasthan Royals, Tait’s brief but impactful IPL stint left an indelible mark on the tournament. Despite recurring injuries, he claimed 23 wickets in 21 matches across three seasons.
Tait’s Key Stats:
- Fastest delivery: 157.71 kmph
- Teams: Rajasthan Royals (2010-2013)
- Career IPL wickets: 23 in 21 matches
- Notable: Only three bowlers have exceeded 100 mph in cricket history
His slingshot action and broad shoulders generated exceptional speed that intimidated batsmen. That record still stands unmatched after 14 years, showcasing extraordinary pace.
Top 10 Fastest Balls in IPL History
| Rank | Bowler | Speed | Team | Opposition | Year |
| 1 | Shaun Tait | 157.71 | Rajasthan Royals | Delhi Daredevils | 2011 |
| 2 | Gerald Coetzee | 157.4 | Mumbai Indians | Rajasthan Royals | 2024 |
| 3 | Lockie Ferguson | 157.3 | Gujarat Titans | Rajasthan Royals | 2022 |
| 4 | Umran Malik | 157.0 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Delhi Capitals | 2022 |
| 5 | Mayank Yadav | 156.7 | Lucknow Super Giants | RCB | 2024 |
| 6 | Anrich Nortje | 156.22 | Delhi Capitals | Rajasthan Royals | 2020 |
| 7 | Umran Malik | 156.0 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Delhi Capitals | 2022 |
| 8 | Mayank Yadav | 155.8 | Lucknow Super Giants | Punjab Kings | 2024 |
| 9 | Anrich Nortje | 155.1 | Delhi Capitals | Rajasthan Royals | 2020 |
| 10 | Umran Malik | 154.8 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Delhi Capitals | 2022 |
Lockie Ferguson: The Modern Speedster
New Zealand pacer Lockie Ferguson bowled the second-fastest ball in IPL at 157.3 kmph during the IPL 2022 final. Playing for Gujarat Titans against Rajasthan Royals, Ferguson showcased why he’s among cricket’s premier fast bowlers.
Ferguson’s clean action and explosive pace make him a nightmare for batters. His fiery spell proved instrumental in Gujarat Titans’ title-winning campaign.
For comprehensive cricket statistics and match analysis, check ESPNcricinfo’s detailed records on IPL performance data and speed benchmarks.
Known for pinpoint yorkers and relentless bouncers, Ferguson consistently bowls over 150 kmph. His ability to maintain extreme speeds over multiple spells sets him apart from other fast bowlers.
Ferguson’s IPL Highlights:
- Second-fastest ball: 157.3 kmph
- Tournament: IPL 2022 Final
- Team: Gujarat Titans (title winners)
- Playing style: Clean action, explosive pace
Umran Malik: India’s Pace Sensation
Umran Malik holds the record for the fastest ball in IPL by an Indian bowler at 157 kmph. The Jammu & Kashmir speedster delivered this thunderbolt against Delhi Capitals in IPL 2022.
Malik’s rise has been meteoric. Representing Sunrisers Hyderabad, he earned a call-up to the Indian national team based on his IPL performances.
Umran’s Notable Achievements:
- Fastest ball by Indian: 157 kmph
- Appears 3 times in top 10 fastest deliveries
- IPL 2022 performance: 22 wickets
- International debut: Against Ireland
- International fastest: 155 kmph vs Sri Lanka (2023)
Malik’s smooth action belies the raw speed he generates. Consistently bowling over 150 kmph, he’s proven that Indian bowlers can match international pace standards.
Mayank Yadav: The Young Gun
Mayank Yadav from Lucknow Super Giants has emerged as IPL’s newest pace sensation. The 21-year-old bowled the fastest ball in IPL 2024 at 156.7 kmph against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Bought for just 20 lakhs in the IPL auction, Mayank has exceeded all expectations. His blistering pace and fearless bowling earned him the Player of the Match award in his debut performances.
Despite an injury that ruled him out early in IPL 2024, Mayank’s impact was immediate and profound. Experts believe he’ll become one of India’s premier fast bowlers once fully fit.
Mayank’s IPL Journey:
- IPL 2024 fastest ball: 156.7 kmph
- Initial auction price: 20 lakhs (LSG)
- Debut performance: Exceptional pace bowling
- International potential: High-rated by selectors
Anrich Nortje: The Consistency Machine
South African pacer Anrich Nortje features twice in the top 10 fastest deliveries. Playing for Delhi Capitals, he clocked 156.22 kmph in IPL 2020.
Nortje’s ability to bowl consistently over 150 kmph sets him apart. His explosive pace combines with exceptional accuracy and relentless drive.
Nortje’s Records:
- Fastest delivery: 156.22 kmph
- Second entry: 155.1 kmph
- Teams: Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders
- IPL 2020 performance: 22 wickets
- Playing style: Explosive pace, consistent speed
Now representing Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2025, Nortje remains a formidable force. His pace continues to trouble batsmen across all formats.
International Comparisons: Fastest Balls in Cricket
| Format | Bowler | Speed | Year |
| T20 International | Anrich Nortje | 158.4 kmph | 2022 |
| Test Cricket | Mitchell Starc | 160.4 kmph | 2015 |
| ODI Cricket | Shoaib Akhtar | 161.3 kmph | 2003 |
| IPL (T20 League) | Shaun Tait | 157.71 kmph | 2011 |
The fastest ball in IPL compares favorably with international standards. While test cricket and ODI formats occasionally produce faster deliveries, T20 cricket’s explosive nature makes IPL speed records particularly impressive.
Evolution of Pace in IPL
Early Years (2008-2013):
- Shaun Tait set the benchmark at 157.71 kmph
- International pacers dominated rankings
- Australian and South African bowlers prominent
Middle Era (2014-2019):
- Consistent 150+ kmph deliveries became standard
- More bowlers touching extreme speeds
- Pace perfection became essential skill
Modern Era (2020-2025):
- Indian bowlers breaking 150 kmph barrier
- Umran Malik, Mayank Yadav emerging talents
- Technology advancements improve speed recording accuracy
- Young generation pushing pace boundaries
The evolution shows cricket’s professionalization and bowlers’ fitness improvements over time.
Fastest Ball Categories: Bowlers by Speed Tier
Elite Pace Club (157+ kmph)
- Shaun Tait: 157.71 kmph
- Gerald Coetzee: 157.4 kmph
- Lockie Ferguson: 157.3 kmph
- Umran Malik: 157 kmph
High-Speed Bowlers (155-156.9 kmph)
- Mayank Yadav: 156.7 kmph
- Anrich Nortje: 156.22 kmph
- Umran Malik: 156 kmph
- Mayank Yadav: 155.8 kmph
Consistent Speedsters (154-154.9 kmph)
- Anrich Nortje: 155.1 kmph
- Umran Malik: 154.8 kmph
- Dale Steyn: 154.4 kmph
- Kagiso Rabada: 154.23 kmph
Impact of Speed on IPL Performance
Speed doesn’t guarantee wickets, but it creates psychological advantage. Batsmen face reduced reaction time against deliveries exceeding 155 kmph.
Speed’s Tactical Benefits:
- Reduces batting reaction time significantly
- Creates fear and defensive mindset
- Enables better bouncers and yorkers
- Complements swing and seam movement
Teams investing in young fast bowlers recognize pace as a critical asset. The fastest ball in IPL often becomes talking points that elevate teams and bowlers into spotlight.
Modern IPL strategies emphasize pace in death overs. Two-bouncer rule change in recent seasons benefited fast bowlers, allowing them to unleash raw pace more frequently.
Technology & Speed Recording in IPL
IPL uses broadcast-grade radar technology comparable to ICC events. Speed readings from modern systems are highly accurate and reliable.
Factors Affecting Speed Recordings:
- Wind direction and wind speed
- Pitch conditions and elevation
- Temperature and humidity levels
- Type of cricket ball used
- Bowler’s angle of delivery
Speed variations between venues are common. High-altitude stadiums sometimes record higher speeds due to thinner air. Nighttime deliveries may generate different speeds than daytime matches.
FAQs
Who bowled the fastest ball in IPL history?
Shaun Tait holds the record with 157.71 kmph bowled in 2011 for Rajasthan Royals. The Australian speedster achieved this against Delhi Daredevils at Jaipur’s Sawai Mansingh Stadium.
What is the fastest ball by an Indian bowler in IPL?
Umran Malik bowled 157 kmph for Sunrisers Hyderabad against Delhi Capitals in 2022. This remains the fastest delivery by an Indian in IPL history, earning him national team selection.
When was the fastest ball in IPL 2024 bowled?
Mayank Yadav bowled the fastest ball in IPL 2024 at 156.7 kmph against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Playing for Lucknow Super Giants, he impressed immediately despite being a newcomer.
Who bowled the second-fastest ball in IPL?
Lockie Ferguson bowled 157.3 kmph for Gujarat Titans during the IPL 2022 final against Rajasthan Royals. Ferguson’s explosive pace helped Gujarat claim their inaugural IPL title.
Can bowlers exceed 160 kmph in IPL regularly?
IPL’s 20-over format and field restrictions make consistent 160+ kmph bowling extremely difficult. Only exceptional talents maintain extreme speeds over entire spells regularly.
How does IPL speed compare to Test cricket?
Test cricket occasionally records faster deliveries. Mitchell Starc clocked 160.4 kmph in Test cricket, while Shoaib Akhtar recorded 161.3 kmph in ODI cricket, higher than IPL records.
What makes a bowler capable of extreme speed?
Natural athleticism, explosive power, proper biomechanics, and consistent training enable extreme speeds. Young bowlers like Mayank Yadav demonstrate how genetics combine with conditioning.
Are speed guns accurate in IPL matches?
Yes. IPL uses broadcast-quality radar technology identical to ICC events. Speed readings are highly accurate, though environmental factors cause minor variations between venues.
