Indian Fast Bowlers

Call them lethal guns or pace spearheads, fast bowlers ignite excitement in cricket matches. Watching these bowlers take long run-ups and deliver balls at blistering speeds is a delight for cricket fans. The thrill intensifies when the ball swings, deceives the batsman, and edges to the slip. Cricket has evolved significantly, with increased competition and stronger batsmen pushing bowlers to break new speed records. Today, let’s look at the 17 fastest bowlers in India. While India has traditionally been known for producing world-class spinners, fast bowlers are now making their mark. On challenging away tours, India’s pace attack has proven to be both consistent and incisive. So, gear up and face the top 17 Indian fast bowlers across all formats! Indian Fast Bowlers.

List of Indian Fast Bowlers:

1. Umran Malik (IPL): 157 km/h (Fastest ball bowled by an Indian – IPL 2022, against DC)
2. Javagal Srinath: 154.5 km/h
3. Irfan Pathan: 153.7 km/h
4. Mohammed Shami: 153.3 km/h
5. Jasprit Bumrah: 153.26 km/h
6. Navdeep Saini: 152.85 km/h
7. Ishant Sharma: 152.6 km/h
8. Varun Aaron: 152.5 km/h
9. Umesh Yadav: 152.2 km/h
10. Mohammad Nisar: 150+ km/h
11. Ashish Nehra: 149.7 km/h
12. S Sreesanth: 149.3 km/h
13. Shivam Mavi: 149.3 km/h
14. RP Singh: 147 km/h
15. Ajit Agarkar: 145.5 km/h
16. Zaheer Khan: 145.1 km/h
17. Bhuvneshwar Kumar: 140 km/h

While India’s cricket history is rich with exceptional spinners, these pace bowlers have risen to prominence, showcasing their speed and skill on the international stage. Indian Fast Bowlers.

Umran Malik: Fastest Bowler in India at 157 km/h

Umran Malik, born on November 22, 1999, is an Indian cricketer from Jammu & Kashmir. He made his T20 debut on January 18, 2021, playing for J&K in the 2020–21 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Malik debuted in List A cricket on February 27, 2021, in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. His big break came in September 2021 when he was named a short-term Covid-19 replacement for T. Natarajan by Sunrisers Hyderabad. On October 3, 2021, he made his IPL debut against Kolkata Knight Riders. He gained significant attention in the 49th match of IPL 2021 between SRH and RCB by bowling five consecutive deliveries over 150 km/h. On May 5, 2022, Malik bowled the fastest ball by an Indian, clocking 157 km/h against DC.

Umran Malik Bowling Stats (Fastest Ball by an Indian)

• ODI: 10 matches, 9 innings, 366 balls, 399 runs, 13 wickets, Best Bowling in an Innings (BBI) 3/57, Bowling Average 30.69, Economy 6.54, Strike Rate 28.1, 0 four-wicket hauls, 0 five-wicket hauls.
• T20I: 8 matches, 8 innings, 139 balls, 243 runs, 11 wickets, BBI 3/48, Bowling Average 22.09, Economy 10.48, Strike Rate 12.6, 0 four-wicket hauls, 0 five-wicket hauls.
• First-Class (FC): 7 matches, 12 innings, 752 balls, 560 runs, 12 wickets, BBI 3/25, Best Bowling in a Match (BBM) 4/121, Bowling Average 46.66, Economy 4.46, Strike Rate 62.6, 0 four-wicket hauls, 0 five-wicket hauls.

• List A: 14 matches, 13 innings, 564 balls, 627 runs, 15 wickets, BBI 3/57, Bowling Average 41.8, Economy 6.67, Strike Rate 37.6, 0 four-wicket hauls, 0 five-wicket hauls.
• T20: 53 matches, 53 innings, 1064 balls, 1609 runs, 65 wickets, BBI 5/25, Bowling Average 24.75, Economy 9.07, Strike Rate 16.3, 3 four-wicket hauls, 1 five-wicket haul

Fastest Bowler in India: Javagal Srinath

If you ask your father who the fastest bowler in India is, he might mention Javagal Srinath. Calm and composed, Srinath ranks seventh among the fastest Indian bowlers. He was a key player for the Indian squad in the 1990s, taking a total of 551 wickets in 296 international matches. Srinath is second only to Kapil Dev in the number of Test wickets taken by an Indian fast bowler. He remains one of the fastest bowlers in India. Indian Fast Bowlers.

Javagal Srinath Career Bowling Stats (Fastest Bowler in India List)

Test (1991–2002)

• Matches: 67
• Innings: 121
• Balls: 15,104
• Maidens: 597
• Runs: 7,196
• Wickets: 236
• Best Bowling: 8/86
• Economy: 2.85
• Average: 30.5
• Strike Rate: 64.0
• Four-Wicket Hauls: 8
• Five-Wicket Hauls: 10

ODI (1991–2003)

• Matches: 229
• Innings: 227
• Balls: 11,935
• Maidens: 137
• Runs: 8,847
• Wickets: 315
• Best Bowling: 5/23
• Economy: 4.44
• Average: 28.1
• Strike Rate: 37.9
• Four-Wicket Hauls: 7
• Five-Wicket Hauls: 3

Indian Bowler of the Year: Irfan Pathan, at 153.7 km/h

Which bowler, playing in a Test match against Pakistan on their turf, claimed a hat-trick? Pathan, Irfan. This is still a unique record. Irfan, a Wasim Akram impostor, captivated millions with his left-arm bowling motion. Before recurrent injuries played spoiler and cut short his career, his ability to swing the ball both ways and his precision with line and length allowed him establish himself as a regular member of the squad. His outstanding swing bowling and his practical batting abilities made him famous. He played a key role in the first ten years of this century’s significant series victories. The fastest ball this Indian has ever bowled was at 153.7 km/h. Indian Fast Bowlers.

Irfan Pathan, an Indian fast bowler, has notable career bowling stats across various formats:

• Tests: In 29 matches (54 innings), he bowled 5884 balls, conceded 3226 runs, and took 100 wickets, with best figures of 7/59 in an innings and 12/126 in a match. His economy rate was 3.29, average 32.26, and strike rate 58.84. He achieved 7 five-wicket hauls and 2 ten-wicket hauls.
• ODIs: In 120 matches (118 innings), he delivered 5855 balls, gave away 5143 runs, and claimed 173 wickets, with a best of 5/27. His economy rate was 5.27, average 29.73, and strike rate 33.84, with 2 five-wicket hauls.

• T20Is: In 24 matches (23 innings), he bowled 462 balls, conceded 618 runs, and took 28 wickets, with best figures of 3/16. His economy rate was 8.03, average 22.07, and strike rate 16.5.

• Jasprit Bumrah: Fastest Bowler in India

  Jasprit Bumrah, India’s premier fast bowler, tops the list of fastest bowlers in the country. Known for his precise yorkers during the death overs, Bumrah is a highly economical bowler in these crucial moments. His quick bouncers and deceptive slower balls often outfox batsmen. Bumrah, consistently clocking speeds over 140 km/h, has been a key player for India, especially in overseas conditions. His unique bowling action first caught the world’s attention during his stint with the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League. Indian Fast Bowlers.

  

  Career Bowling Stats:

  • Tests: In 30 matches (58 innings), Bumrah has bowled 6268 balls, conceded 2815 runs, and taken 128 wickets. His best figures in an innings are 6/27, and in a match, 9/86. He has an average of 21.99, an economy rate of 2.69, and a strike rate of 48.9, with 2 four-wicket hauls and 8 five-wicket hauls.
  • ODIs: In 89 matches (88 innings), Bumrah has delivered 4580 balls, given 3509 runs, and claimed 149 wickets, with a best of 6/19. He averages 23.55, with an economy rate of 4.59 and a strike rate of 30.7, including 6 four-wicket hauls and 2 five-wicket hauls.
  • T20Is: Over 62 matches (61 innings), he has bowled 1331 balls, conceded 1455 runs, and taken 74 wickets, with best figures of 3/11. His average is 19.66, economy rate 6.55, and strike rate 17.9.
  • First-Class (FC): In 58 matches (104 innings), Bumrah has bowled 11534 balls, conceded 5178 runs, and taken 220 wickets. His best in an innings is 6/27, and in a match, 9/86. He has an average of 23.53, economy rate 2.69, and strike rate 52.4, with 5 four-wicket hauls and 14 five-wicket hauls.

  

  • List A: In 114 matches (113 innings), he has bowled 5935 balls, given 4410 runs, and taken 201 wickets, with best figures of 6/19. His average is 21.94, economy rate 4.45, and strike rate 29.5, including 9 four-wicket hauls and 3 five-wicket hauls.
  • T20: Across 212 matches (211 innings), Bumrah has bowled 4746 balls, conceded 5555 runs, and taken 260 wickets. His best figures are 5/10, with an average of 21.36, economy rate 7.02, and strike rate 18.2, including 2 four-wicket hauls and 1 five-wicket haul.

   

  • Ishant Sharma: Fastest Bowler in India

    Standing tall at six feet four inches, Ishant Sharma has been a formidable presence on the field. His performance at Lord’s in 2014 was pivotal in India’s victory after 28 years. Known for his consistent line and length, Ishant’s in-swinging deliveries have challenged many batsmen.

    

    Ishant Sharma Career Bowling Stats

    • Tests: 105 matches, 311 wickets, BBI: 7/74, Average: 32.40
    • ODIs: 80 matches, 115 wickets, BBI: 4/34, Average: 30.98
    • T20Is: 14 matches, 8 wickets, BBI: 2/34, Average: 50.00
    • First-Class (FC): 152 matches, 483 wickets, BBI: 7/24, Average: 28.54
    • List A: 130 matches, 186 wickets, BBI: 5/21, Average: 28.99
    • T20s: 156 matches, 131 wickets, BBI: 5/12, Average: 32.85

    Varun Aaron : Fastest Bowler in India

    

    Known for his lethal pace, Varun Aaron regularly bowls at speeds exceeding 140 kmph. Despite his pace, Aaron struggled with accuracy, limiting his appearances in international cricket. Indian Fast Bowlers.

    Varun Aaron Career Bowling Stats

    • Tests: 9 matches, 18 wickets, BBI: 3/97, Average: 52.61
    • ODIs: 9 matches, 11 wickets, BBI: 3/24, Average: 38.09
    • First-Class (FC): 63 matches, 167 wickets, BBI: 6/32, Average: 32.82
    • List A: 84 matches, 138 wickets, BBI: 6/33, Average: 25.89
    • T20s: 95 matches, 93 wickets, BBI: 3/16, Average: 29.36

    Umesh Yadav : Fastest Bowler in India

    

    Umesh Yadav combines speed with precision, frequently hitting the 150 kmph mark. He recorded the third-fastest delivery by an Indian, reaching 152.2 kmph in an ODI series in Sri Lanka.

    Umesh Yadav Career Bowling Stats

    • Tests: 57 matches, 170 wickets, BBI: 6/88, Average: 30.95
    • ODIs: 75 matches, 106 wickets, BBI: 4/31, Average: 33.63
    • T20Is: 9 matches, 12 wickets, BBI: 2/19, Average: 23.33
    • First-Class (FC): 115 matches, 351 wickets, BBI: 7/48, Average: 29.75
    • List A: 136 matches, 194 wickets, BBI: 5/26, Average: 32.32
    • T20s: 186 matches, 193 wickets, BBI: 5/18, Average: 27.51

    Mohammad Nisar : Fastest Bowler in India

    

    A pioneer of Indian fast bowling, Mohammad Nisar was known for his speed and effectiveness in the early 20th century. He debuted in India’s first Test at Lord’s in 1932.

    Mohammad Nisar Career Bowling Stats

    • Tests: 6 matches, 25 wickets, BBI: 5/90, Average: 28.28
    • First-Class (FC): 93 matches, 396 wickets, BBI: 6/17, Average: 17.70

    Ashish Nehra : Fastest Bowler in India

    Ashish Nehra, who retired in 2017, was one of India’s most effective fast bowlers. His career was marred by injuries, but he still managed to achieve significant milestones, including a memorable six-wicket haul against England in the 2003 World Cup.

    

    Ashish Nehra Career Bowling Stats

    • Tests: 17 matches, 44 wickets, BBI: 4/72, Average: 42.40
    • ODIs: 120 matches, 157 wickets, BBI: 6/23, Average: 31.72
    • T20Is: 27 matches, 34 wickets, BBI: 3/19, Average: 22.29
    • First-Class (FC): 90 matches, 303 wickets, BBI: 7/14, Average: 29.14
    • List A: 201 matches, 245 wickets, BBI: 6/23, Average: 33.00
    • T20s: 132 matches, 162 wickets, BBI: 4/10, Average: 22.54

    S Sreesanth : Fastest Bowler in India

    

    Sreesanth, the first Ranji player from Kerala to play T20 cricket for India, is remembered for his fiery spells, especially against Australia. His performances earned him a place among India’s fastest bowlers.

    S Sreesanth Career Bowling Stats

    • Tests: 27 matches, 87 wickets, BBI: 5/40, Average: 37.59
    • ODIs: 53 matches, 75 wickets, BBI: 6/55, Average: 33.44
    • T20Is: 10 matches, 7 wickets, BBI: 2/12, Average: 41.14
    • First-Class (FC): 74 matches, 213 wickets, BBI: 5/40, Average: 35.92
    • List A: 92 matches, 124 wickets, BBI: 6/55, Average: 34.05
    • T20s: 65 matches, 54 wickets, BBI: 3/29, Average: 33.57

    Shivam Mavi : Fastest Bowler in India

    

    Shivam Mavi, known for his impressive performances in the IPL for Kolkata Knight Riders, has quickly risen to prominence in Indian cricket. He is recognized for his speed and effectiveness in first-class cricket.

    Shivam Mavi Career Bowling Stats

    • T20Is: 6 matches, 7 wickets, BBI: 4/22, Average: 17.57
    • First-Class (FC): 14 matches, 59 wickets, BBI: 6/44, Average: 19.84
    • List A: 41 matches, 62 wickets, BBI: 5/73, Average: 24.46
    • T20s: 52 matches, 53 wickets, BBI: 4/14, Average: 26.50

    RP Singh: Fastest Bowler in India

    

    RP Singh was known for his remarkable pace and was a key bowler for India, especially noted for his performance in his Test debut against Pakistan.

    RP Singh Career Bowling Stats

    • Tests: 14 matches, 40 wickets, BBI: 5/59, Average: 42.05
    • ODIs: 58 matches, 69 wickets, BBI: 4/35, Average: 33.95
    • T20Is: 10 matches, 15 wickets,Tests: In 2 matches (4 innings), Saini has bowled 251 balls, conceded 172 runs, and taken 4 wickets, with best figures of 2/54. He averages 43.00.

      IPL: In 103 matches (101 innings), he delivered 2043 balls, gave away 2649 runs, and took 80 wickets, with best figures of 3/24. His economy rate was 7.78, average 33.11, and strike rate 25.54.

     

    Mohammed Shami: Fastest Bowler in India

    Mohammed Shami is recognized as one of India’s fastest bowlers, regularly clocking speeds above 140 km/h. Known for his exceptional reverse swing abilities, Shami consistently delivers strong performances, particularly in Test cricket. His skills in swinging the ball both ways make him a valuable asset for the Indian team across all formats. Indian Fast Bowlers.

    

    Career Bowling Stats:

    • Tests: Shami has played 62 matches (122 innings), bowled 11515 balls, conceded 6346 runs, and taken 229 wickets. His best bowling in an innings is 6/56, and in a match, it’s 9/118. He averages 27.71 with an economy rate of 3.30 and a strike rate of 50.2, with 12 four-wicket hauls and 6 five-wicket hauls.
    • ODIs: In 101 matches (100 innings), Shami has delivered 4985 balls, given 4618 runs, and claimed 195 wickets. His best figures are 7/57, with an average of 23.68, an economy of 5.55, and a strike rate of 25.5, including 10 four-wicket hauls and 5 five-wicket hauls.
    • T20Is: Over 23 matches (23 innings), he has bowled 477 balls, conceded 711 runs, and taken 24 wickets, with best figures of 3/15. He averages 29.62, has an economy of 8.94, and a strike rate of 19.8.
    • First-Class (FC): In 88 matches (166 innings), Shami has bowled 16500 balls, given 8995 runs, and taken 332 wickets, with a best of 7/79 in an innings and 11/151 in a match. His average is 27.09, economy 3.27, and strike rate 49.6, with 17 four-wicket hauls, 12 five-wicket hauls, and 2 ten-wicket hauls. Indian Fast Bowlers.

    

    • List A: In 132 matches (131 innings), he has delivered 6505 balls, conceded 5930 runs, and taken 252 wickets, with a best of 7/57. His average is 25.53, economy 5.46, and strike rate 25.8, including 14 four-wicket hauls and 5 five-wicket hauls.
    • T20: Across 156 matches (156 innings), Shami has bowled 3363 balls, given 4604 runs, and taken 190 wickets. His best figures are 4/11, with an average of 24.23, an economy of 8.21, and a strike rate of 17.7, including 3 four-wicket hauls.