Gujarat Titans speedster Ashok Sharma lit up the ongoing IPL on Saturday, unleashing the fastest ball of the season at 154.2 kmph. The 23-year-old etched his name into the record books by landing a brutal yorker on the last delivery of the 16th over, striking Rajasthan Royals wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel with the decisive blow.
That 154.2 kmph delivery became the quickest ball of IPL 2026, taking the mark beyond Anrich Nortje’s earlier benchmark of 150.9 kmph, which he had set for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) against Delhi Capitals. In the broader history of the league, Ashok’s effort currently sits as the sixth fastest ball ever bowled in the IPL.
Shaun Tait of Australia still holds the overall all-time record, having clocked 157.7 kmph for Rajasthan Royals in 2011. Among Indian pacers, Umran Malik is listed as the fastest, with a speed of 157 kmph.
Fastest Deliveries in IPL History
- 157.7 kmph – Shaun Tait (Rajasthan Royals, 2011)
- 157.3 kmph – Lockie Ferguson (Gujarat Titans, 2022)
- 157 kmph – Umran Malik (Sunrisers Hyderabad, 2022)
- 156.7 kmph – Mayank Yadav (Lucknow Super Giants, 2024)
- 156.2 kmph – Anrich Nortje (Delhi Capitals, 2020)
- 154.2 kmph – Ashok Sharma (Gujarat Titans, 2026)
Beyond the headline number, Ashok’s spell gave the Royals plenty to think about. His pace off the pitch and accuracy brought pressure, and the standout delivery served as both a personal milestone and the fastest strike of the tournament so far.
Throughout his stint, the right-arm pacer maintained high tempo, regularly hitting speeds above 145 kmph. He even managed to reach 150 kmph twice within the same over, underlining the raw pace that has quickly become his calling card.
Ashok’s rise to the IPL has been backed by recent domestic impact. He earned his place after a strong campaign in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he finished as Rajasthan’s leading wicket-taker. Gujarat Titans showed faith in him early, selecting him in the playing XI, and he has continued to contribute with steady performances.
In the match against Rajasthan Royals, he made the breakthrough with one key wicket, dismissing Shimron Hetmyer for 18. His bowling figures finished at 1/37 from his four overs.
Gujarat Titans had acquired the player for Rs 90 lakh during the IPL 2026 auction last November.
