The fastest Indian bowlers in cricket have redefined India’s pace legacy, proving that the country is not just a land of spin. Over the years, a handful of Indian pacers have shattered speed barriers and terrorized batters with raw pace. From rising stars like Umran Malik and Mayank Yadav to legends like Javagal Srinath, these bowlers have consistently delivered thunderbolts above 150 kmph. In this article, we take a closer look at the top 5 fastest Indian bowlers in cricket history, showcasing their fastest recorded deliveries and the impact they’ve made on the game.
Discover the Top 5 Fastest Indian Bowlers in Cricket History, including Umran Malik and Javagal Srinath. See who holds the record for the fastest ball ever bowled by an Indian.
1. Umran Malik – 157 kmph
- Fastest Ball: 157 kmph (IPL 2022)
- Team: Sunrisers Hyderabad
- Origin: Jammu & Kashmir
Umran Malik burst onto the scene like a storm, becoming the fastest Indian bowler ever by clocking 157 kmph in an IPL 2022 match. His raw pace, often touching the high 150s, made him an instant sensation. Despite occasional inconsistency in line and length, his ability to bowl express pace consistently has put batters on the back foot. His performances earned him a call-up to the Indian national team, where he’s seen as a potential long-term weapon in white-ball formats.
2. Mayank Yadav – 156.7 kmph
- Fastest Ball: 156.7 kmph (IPL 2024)
- Team: Lucknow Super Giants
- Origin: Delhi
Mayank Yadav made headlines during IPL 2024 when he clocked 156.7 kmph, nearly matching Umran Malik’s record. His pace was not just eye-catching—it was match-winning. Yadav made an immediate impact with his lethal speed and control, picking up key wickets for Lucknow Super Giants. His IPL heroics soon earned him an India debut, where he’s being groomed as a future pace spearhead.
3. Javagal Srinath – 154.5 kmph
- Fastest Ball: 154.5 kmph (1999, during a World Cup match)
- International Career: 1991–2003
- Origin: Karnataka
Javagal Srinath was India’s pace flagbearer in the 1990s and early 2000s. Known for his ability to generate pace and swing, Srinath was once among the few Indian bowlers who could regularly hit speeds above 145 kmph. His fastest recorded delivery of 154.5 kmph came during the 1999 World Cup. A veteran of 315 ODI wickets and 236 Test wickets, he was not only quick but incredibly reliable across formats.
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4. Irfan Pathan – 153.7 kmph
- Fastest Ball: 153.7 kmph (2007)
- International Career: 2003–2012
- Origin: Baroda, Gujarat
Best remembered for his swing bowling, Irfan Pathan surprised many when he bowled a 153.7 kmph delivery early in his career. While his reputation was built around swing rather than pace, that particular delivery proved he could crank it up when needed. Irfan remains one of only two Indian bowlers to take a Test hat-trick, famously dismissing Salman Butt, Mohammad Yousuf, and Younis Khan in the very first over of a Karachi Test in 2006.
5. Mohammed Shami – 153.3 kmph
- Fastest Ball: 153.3 kmph (2014)
- International Career: 2013–present
- Origin: Uttar Pradesh (raised in West Bengal)
Mohammed Shami, known for his seam position and reverse swing, once bowled at 153.3 kmph during the early part of his international career. While injuries have occasionally affected his rhythm, Shami has remained one of India’s premier fast bowlers across formats. His ability to bowl with pace and accuracy in the death overs has made him a key asset, particularly in ODIs and Tests. Despite nearing his mid-30s, Shami continues to maintain speeds in the 140s with ease.
