Top 5 Fastest Indian Bowlers List

There was a time when the Indian cricket team was not known in international cricket for its fast bowling, as there were only a few bowlers who used to beat batsmen by their sensational speed and accuracy. But if we look at where the Gentlemen’s game has evolved with time, where batsmen are seen dominating bowlers with unorthodox shots, it has become necessary for a fast bowler to take a long run-up and deliver the ball at rocket speed.

Although the Indian team has been famous for producing World-class spinners, pacers have always taken a back seat. However, that is not true today. As of now, India has got one of the best and fastest bowlers in the world, who can beat any batsman with their toe-crushing yorkers and lethal bouncers. Through this new piece, we will take you to the list of 5 fastest Indian fast bowlers, who are known in the cricketing world for their lethal pace.

1. Umran Malik

On Number 1, we have India’s youngest and fastest bowler, Umran Malik, who represents Jammu and Kashmir in domestic cricket and made his T20 debut on 18th January 2021 from Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League after making his List A debut on 27 Feb 2021, for Jammu & Kashmir in the 2020–21 Vijay Hazare Trophy.  Umran Mailk was picked in the Hyderabad-based franchise in the palace of T. Natarajan after he suffered from COVID-19. 

He came in the light when he bowled 5 consistent deliveries of more than 150 km/h against Royal Challengers Bangalore after making his debut on 3rd Oct, 2021a against Kolkata Knight Riders. Later, On 5th May 2022, Umran Bowled the fastest ball by an Indian bowler. Playing against DC he clocked 157 kmph.

2. Javagal Srinath

Former Indian cricketer Javagal Srinath was one of the best bowlers from the Indian team in the 90's era, who used to dominate batters with their sensational speed and accuracy.  Srinath has represented the Indian team for 11 years before retiring in 2003, he was the only second bowler to have more test wickets than the former Indian captain Kapil Dev.

During the India tour of South Africa in Ahmedabad, Srinath showed his incredible bowling skills by picking 6 wickets for 21 runs for Proteas team.  He also bowled at a speed of 157kph, a mark during India’s tour of South Africa in 1996. However, the delivery hasn’t made it to the official list as the speed gun levels weren't as accurate.

3. Mayank Yadav

Mayank Yadav has been a new-sensation in the cricketing world since his debut in the 17th edition of the Indian Premier League, where he bowled at a speed of 156.7 against Royal Challengers Bangalore team at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore. Yadav made his IPL debut with Lucknow Super Giants in 2024. He recorded a 155.8kph delivery to Punjab captain Shikhar Dhawan, which made him in the list of top-10 fastest bowlers in the world.

4. Irfan Pathan

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan is in the 4th position in the list of top fast bowlers from India after he bowled a 153.7 delivery against Pakistan during the inaugural edition of the ICC T20 World Cup in 2007. The former legend was one of the best swing bowlers from India who used to swing the bowl in both directions and could play as a handy batman down the order.

Irfan Pathan has represented the Indian team from 2003 to 2012 in all formats, where he picked 200 wickets with 1 hundred to his name in Test cricket. 

5. Mohammed Shami

Mohammed Shami is currently one of the best bowlers in the world he has played a key role in helping the Indian team to reach in the finals of ICC World Cup 2023 by being the highest wicket-taker of the tournament. Despite going through a knee injury, Shami performed brilliantly for the team, for which he was awarded the Arjuna Award for his incredible contribution to India.

Mohammed Shami has bowled the fifth-fastest delivery among India's fast bowlers in world cricket. The right-arm fast bowler delivered a 153.3kph during the third Test against Australia in Melbourne in 2014. Shami was the standout bowler in the series as he picked 15 wickets in three Tests at an average of 35.80.

Apart from these 5 cricketers, there are several Indian bowlers who have passed the speed of 150, like Jaspreet Bumah, Navdeep Saini, Ishant Sharma and Varun Aaron.