Gujarat Titans speedster Ashok Sharma etched his name into IPL history in Ahmedabad on Saturday. During a sharp spell in the 16th over, the 23-year-old reached 154.2 kmph on the very last ball of the sequence—recorded as the quickest delivery of IPL 2026, eclipsing Anrich Nortje. Earlier in that same over, he had already clocked 150.7 kmph on the second ball from the end.
Quick facts
At a glance
- Ashok Sharma (23) bowled the fastest IPL 2026 delivery in Ahmedabad on Saturday: 154.2 kmph (final ball of the 16th over).
- That mark surpassed Anrich Nortje, with Ashok also hitting 150.7 kmph two balls earlier.
- Rajasthan Royals made 210/6 against Gujarat Titans in the same match after winning the toss and batting.
- RR’s Yashasvi Jaiswal scored 55 off 36, while Vaibhav Sooryavanshi made 31 off 18; their opening stand was 70 in 38 balls.
- RR’s Dhruv Jurel top-scored with 75 off 42 (four fours and five sixes).
- GT’s Kagiso Rabada took 2/42.
Ashok is a young medium-pace bowler who has drawn attention for his ability to swing the ball both ways while keeping his line and length under control. Over time, his consistency with movement off the seam has been a key part of his appeal. He has also been known for maintaining accuracy even as the pace rises—an attribute that typically troubles batters at the death and in middle overs.
His pathway into the IPL has included multiple franchise touchpoints. He previously worked with the Rajasthan Royals setup, where he trained as a net bowler and earned positive feedback from players within the group. Later, he caught the eye of Kolkata Knight Riders during their trials camp, which eventually led to him being picked up by a franchise in the 2022 TATA IPL Auction for INR 55 lakh.
His IPL journey continued to evolve after that. In IPL 2025, he turned out for Rajasthan Royals, before moving to Gujarat Titans at the 2026 auction. The Ahmedabad franchise secured him for INR 90 lakh ahead of the new season.
When it comes to numbers, Ashok’s T20 record has been steadily building. In 11 T20 appearances, he has claimed 33 wickets. Beyond the shorter format, he has also played four first-class matches, taking 14 wickets, and featured in seven List A games where he has picked up 13 wickets.
RR firepower delivers 210/6
Batting first, Rajasthan Royals posted 210 for six against Gujarat Titans on Saturday. The innings began with a solid platform from the top order as Yashasvi Jaiswal struck 55 from 36 balls and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi contributed 31 off 18. Together, they stitched a 70-run partnership in 38 deliveries to set a demanding tone for the chase.
RR’s most impactful knock came through Dhruv Jurel. He produced a brisk 75 off 42 balls, striking four boundaries and clearing the ropes five times. His acceleration ensured the total stayed out of reach, even as wickets fell around him.
For GT, Kagiso Rabada was the standout with the ball, finishing with figures of 2/42. While Rajasthan kept control of the scoring tempo, Rabada’s wickets provided the only meaningful breakthrough moments for the Titans in an innings that ultimately ended with RR at 210/6.
