5 Fastest deliveries in the history of IPL

A fast bowler, not fast-medium or medium-fast but someone who can crank it up and send the ball at high pace towards the batsman at any stage of the innings, at any length he wishes to, is a rare commodity and therefore much in demand. This was evident when Kolkata Knight Riders shelled out their purse for Pat Cummins in the auction, and for the same reason RCB fans were most upset about Mitchell Starc pulling out of the auction; although he could have been bought by any of the other seven teams as well.

Fast bowling – clocking over 140 and high 150s consistently is tough, and probably, the most demanding role in cricket. Disciplined fitness regime, enormous strength, rigorous training all goes into the making of a fast bowler to be consistently bowling at a high pace.

The IPL provides a great platform for players to showcase their skills in the biggest T20 league in the world. Indian or overseas fast bowlers, IPL has helped several pacers to make it into the national team. The ongoing IPL season has already witnessed some of the best fast bowling and the record of the fastest ball doesn’t seem to safe anymore.

Here we look at the 5 fastest deliveries in the IPL:

5. Kagiso Rabada- 154.20 Kph

Kagiso Rabada had a breakthrough IPL season last year where he finally got recognition to be considered in the elite group of bowlers. Playing for Delhi Capitals, Rabada picked up 25 wickets in 12 games.

Rabada averaged a brilliant 14.72, with a superb strike rate of 11.28, and a parsimonious economy- by the standard of batting these days- of 7.82. He has continued his good work with the ball this year as well and has already picked 18 wickets in 8 matches.

The South African pacer is also one of the fastest bowlers in world cricket. This season he has already hurled down plenty of deliveries which crossed the 150 kph barrier. One of those recorded at 154.20 kph, which is now the fifth fastest delivery in the IPL.