The Indian cricket team has historically been known more for its explosive batting than its bowling skills. However, India has produced some fierce and tenacious bowlers who can compete with anyone in the world.
Over the last few years, India has built a talent pool of fast bowlers who are ready to overturn the opposition. In this article, we will discuss the Indian speedsters who can achieve absolute speed on the cricket field. Let’s take a look at the list of India’s fastest bowlers, ranked by the speed of their deliveries.
Let’s get started!
Pillars Of Indian Fastest Bowling
Umran Malik: 157 kmph, fastest bowler in India
Umran Malik was born on November 22, 1999. He is an Indian cricketer from J&K. Umar made his T20 debut on January 18, 2021. He played for J&K in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for the 2020–21 season. The young cricketer made his List A debut for Jammu and Kashmir in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2020–21 on February 27, 2021. Umar Malik was lucky when he was appointed as T Natarajan’s short-term COVID-19 player by Sunrisers Hyderabad in September 2021. He is one of the fastest bowlers in India.
He made his IPL debut on October 3, 2021, against the Kolkata Knight Riders. In Round 49 of the Indian Premier League 2021, during the match between SRH and RCB, he attracted attention by hitting five consecutive shots at a speed of over 150 km/h. On May 5, 2022, Umran bowled the fastest ball by an Indian bowler. In the match against DC, he reached 157 km/h.
Fastest Bowler in India: Zaheer Khan
We know you’ve been waiting for this name. To be honest, it was Zaheer Khan who took over India’s fast-bowling legacy after Kapil Dev. At his peak, he was a formidable left-hander who intimidated even the best batters with his perfect swing. Due to his repeated injuries, he had to cancel or miss many tournaments. In his first years, he cleared hurdles at a speed of 140 km/h. Zaheer has taken 610 wickets in 309 international matches. He was one of India’s fastest bowlers.
The fastest bowler in India at present is Jasprit Bumrah
Without a doubt, India’s top bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, has earned the top spot in the list of India’s fastest bowlers. Bumrah’s ability to bowl inch-perfect yorkers in the death overs made India a truly economical bowler in the death overs. Additionally, his fast and slow rebounds often deceive batters. With his delivery speed reaching over 140 kmph, he never let the Indian team down, especially on foreign soil. It was while playing for the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League that the world first witnessed his “embarrassing” bowling behavior. He is one of the fastest bowlers in India.
Fastest Bowler in India: Mohammed Shami
Mohammed Shami is currently one of the fastest bowlers in India. When Mohammed Shami was bowling, he probably wouldn’t have noticed the speedometer. However, his right-arm fast bowler can reach speeds of over 140 km/h. Mohammed Shami is one of the best reverse swing bowlers today, and he never misses playing for his team in the white jersey. He has grown so much over the years that he is one of the best players, even in the short version of the game. His ability to swing the ball in both directions is a huge asset for the Indian team.
Fastest Bowler in India: 153.7 km/h, Irfan Pathan
Which bowler achieved a hat-trick on home soil in a Test match against Pakistan?Irfan Pathan. This record is still exclusive. A replica of Wasim Akram, Irfan grabbed the attention of millions with his left-arm bowling action. His ability to swing the ball in both directions and his accuracy with line and length allowed him to become a regular on the team, but frequent injuries marred his games and prematurely ended his career. I did. He became famous for his outstanding swing bowling and deft batting skills. During his first decade of this era, he was a key element in his series wins in the majors. 153.7 kmph is the fastest ball bowled by an Indian.
Impact of Fast Bowling on Indian Cricket
Fast bowlers were not only wicket takers but also game-changers for the Indian cricket team. Their ability to sway matches in India’s favor, especially overseas, was crucial. The shift towards a balanced attack of spin and pace has enabled India to become a formidable team in all formats of the game.
Role of fast bowlers in overseas victories
India’s top fast bowlers have played an important role in India’s historic victories on foreign soil. Be it Ishant Sharma’s mesmerizing performance in Australia or Mohammed Shami’s killer delivery in England, these moments have profoundly changed the perception of India’s fast bowlers. They proved that Indian pacers can dominate in conditions different from the spin-prone pitches of the subcontinent.
Developing future talent
Indian Cricket Developing future talent in fast bowling is essential to his team’s continued success. Academies and cricket camps across the country are now placing greater emphasis on speed and fitness to keep fast bowler numbers strong. The emergence of fast bowlers from different parts of the country, including rural areas and cricket-non-traditional states, is evidence of the growing popularity and importance of pace bowling in India.
Advances in Technology in Training
The use of technology in training and development has changed the game for the best and most promising bowlers on the Indian cricket team. High-speed cameras, biomechanical analysis, and sophisticated fitness programs have become the norm, allowing bowlers to optimize performance and reduce injury risk. This scientific approach to training promises a bright future for Indian fast bowling.
The future of fast bowling in India
The future of fast bowling in India looks bright, with several young talents emerging in domestic and international cricket. Navdeep Saini, Umran Malik, and T. Natarajan are poised to succeed their predecessors with their unique skills and incredible speed. The blend of experience and youth in the fast bowling department bodes well for the Indian cricket team’s ambitions on the world stage.
Emerging Talent
India’s fast bowling arsenal continues to evolve, and new talent is emerging. Bowlers like Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar made a huge impact, proving their mettle and securing their place as a powerful force in the Indian cricket team.
Evolution of Pace Bowling in India
The journey of India’s fast bowlers has been one of development and resilience. From the days of Kapil Dev, when pace bowling was a novelty, to the current generation, where speedsters like Bumrah lead the attack, the change has been remarkable. This transition reflects not only the changing dynamics of the game but also India’s adaptability and proficiency in developing fast bowling talent.
Future Directions
As the world of cricket evolves, so too does the role of the fast bowler. The future of fast bowling in India is bright as young talent is being developed in academies and domestic cricket. The achievements of India’s best fast bowlers will serve as a source of inspiration for generations to come, promising a future in which the pace attack remains a cornerstone of the Indian cricket team’s strategy.
Conclusion
India’s journey in cricket has witnessed remarkable changes, with fast bowlers playing a key role in shaping the success of the game. From the legendary Kapil Dev to the modern-day wonder Jasprit Bumrah, each fast bowler has left an indelible mark on the sport, combining speed, skill, and determination to bring a unique strength to their teams. Their contributions not only redefined India’s bowling strategy but also inspired countless aspiring cricketers across the country. The legacy of speed legends promises an exciting future for Indian cricket as India continues to develop new talent, with fast bowlers continuing to shine and dominate on the world stage. The development of India’s pace is evidence that the country’s cricketing prowess is growing and ensures that speedsters remain an integral part of India’s success story.