For much of the 20th century, Indian cricket was renowned more for its world-class batters and spinners than for pace bowlers. The team lacked genuine fast bowling firepower and often relied on swing or medium pace. However, over the past two decades, the narrative has changed drastically. With the emergence of new talents and a focus on fast bowling in domestic circuits and the IPL, Indian fast bowlers in cricket are now making headlines around the world.
In this article, we celebrate the top 10 fastest Indian fast bowlers in cricket history, based on the highest speeds recorded in professional matches.
1. Umran Malik – 157 kmph
The name Umran Malik has become synonymous with raw pace in Indian cricket. The Jammu & Kashmir speedster grabbed national attention during IPL 2022 by delivering a 157 kmph thunderbolt — the fastest delivery ever recorded by an Indian bowler. Although still raw and at times inconsistent, Malik’s express pace poses a serious threat to batters when he finds the right length.
2. Mayank Yadav – 156.7 kmph
Delhi-born Mayank Yadav burst onto the scene with the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL. In his debut season, he clocked a remarkable 156.7 kmph — instantly establishing himself among the fastest Indian fast bowlers in cricket. He followed up his impressive IPL performance with a national team debut soon after.
3. Javagal Srinath – 154.5 kmph
A trailblazer for Indian fast bowling in the 1990s, Javagal Srinath was one of the few genuine quicks during his era. Known for combining swing with serious pace, he clocked a top speed of 154.5 kmph, which made him a nightmare for batters on bouncier pitches. Srinath laid the groundwork for future generations of fast bowlers in India.
4. Irfan Pathan – 153.7 kmph
Although widely remembered for his swing and accuracy, Irfan Pathan was no slouch in the speed department. He once delivered a 153.7 kmph ball in an international game. More than just speed, his crowning moment came when he became the second Indian to take a Test hat-trick, removing Salman Butt, Mohammad Yousuf, and Younis Khan in a historic spell.
5. Mohammed Shami – 153.3 kmph
Among the most consistent Indian fast bowlers in cricket over the past decade, Mohammed Shami has regularly bowled at high speeds, with a personal best of 153.3 kmph. Known for his seam movement and relentless accuracy, Shami remains one of India’s premier pacers despite battling injuries throughout his career.
6. Jasprit Bumrah – 153.26 kmph
Jasprit Bumrah, the spearhead of India’s pace attack, reached his fastest delivery at 153.26 kmph during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2018-19. Despite suffering from chronic back issues, Bumrah has maintained his elite status thanks to his unique action, deadly yorkers, and exceptional control in all formats.
7. Navdeep Saini – 152.85 kmph
Navdeep Saini may not have had a long international career yet, but he has consistently delivered balls over 150 kmph in both IPL and domestic cricket. His fastest delivery stands at 152.85 kmph. Saini continues to be in the mix, although fierce competition keeps him on the fringes of the national team.
8. Ishant Sharma – 152.6 kmph
One of India’s most experienced Test pacers, Ishant Sharma bowled his fastest delivery early in his career — clocking 152.6 kmph. Over time, he became a reliable workhorse, especially in overseas Test matches, and was a vital part of India’s pace revolution from 2016 to 2021.
9. Varun Aaron – 152.5 kmph
Varun Aaron had the natural gift of speed and was once hailed as the future of India’s fast bowling attack. He consistently hit speeds above 150 kmph, with his fastest at 152.5 kmph. However, frequent injuries curtailed what could have been a longer and more impactful career.
10. Umesh Yadav – 152.2 kmph
Rounding off the list is Umesh Yadav, a mainstay in India’s Test bowling lineup for several years. Known for his athleticism and raw power, Umesh clocked a top speed of 152.2 kmph in his early days. He remains one of the few Indian fast bowlers in cricket who can generate reverse swing and bounce with sheer speed.
Top 10 Fastest Indian Fast Bowlers in Cricket History
| Rank | Bowler | Top Speed (kmph) | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Umran Malik | 157.0 | Fastest delivery by an Indian (157 kmph in IPL 2022) |
| 2 | Mayank Yadav | 156.7 | Clocked 156.7 kmph in debut IPL season; soon after India debut |
| 3 | Javagal Srinath | 154.5 | India’s pace leader in the 1990s; consistent performer |
| 4 | Irfan Pathan | 153.7 | Took a Test hat-trick; known for swing and pace |
| 5 | Mohammed Shami | 153.3 | Core of India’s pace attack with accuracy and seam |
| 6 | Jasprit Bumrah | 153.26 | Spearheaded India’s attack; T20 WC 2024 winner |
| 7 | Navdeep Saini | 152.85 | Consistently over 150 kmph; limited international appearances |
| 8 | Ishant Sharma | 152.6 | Reliable Test pacer; key player from 2016–2021 |
| 9 | Varun Aaron | 152.5 | Clocked 152.5 kmph; career hampered by injuries |
| 10 | Umesh Yadav | 152.2 | Key Test pacer; known for pace and reverse swing |
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