Cricket fans across India, from the gullies of Mumbai to the maidans of Kolkata, have always been obsessed with raw pace! While our neighbors Pakistan have produced express bowlers like Shoaib Akhtar and Wasim Akram, Indian cricket has also seen its fair share of speedsters who can make the speed gun go “balle balle”! Let’s dive into the list of India’s top 10 fastest pacers who have made batsmen dance to their tunes! Want to back our pace sensation in the upcoming series? Check out LeonBet for the best odds on Bumrah taking the most wickets – they’re offering special bonuses for new Indian users!
The “Yorker King” Jasprit Bumrah tops our list with his thunderbolt delivered at a blistering 153.36 kmph against Australia in 2018! With his unique action that gives batsmen nightmares, Bumrah has become Indian cricket’s most lethal weapon across all formats. As Delhi cricket enthusiasts would say, “Bumrah ki ball batsman ko thok deti hai!”
The Jammu Express, Umran Malik, burst onto the scene like a Diwali rocket! Though slightly raw in technique, this youngster has clocked an astonishing 157 kmph in IPL 2022, making him potentially the fastest Indian bowler ever! Still finding his feet in international cricket, Malik has the entire nation excited about his “aag wali bowling”!
Delhi’s very own Navdeep Saini has made batsmen hop with his express pace! Clocking 152.85 kmph during a T20I against Sri Lanka, Saini has shown that he can deliver “mirchi wali” yorkers when in rhythm. Though his international career has seen ups and downs, his raw pace remains undeniable!
The “Seam Ka Sultan” Mohammed Shami has consistently troubled batsmen with his perfect seam position and deceptive pace. Reaching 153.3 kmph during the 2019 World Cup, Shami’s ability to bowl fast while maintaining pinpoint accuracy makes him “ekdum jhakaas” in all conditions!
The tall and lanky Ishant Sharma, affectionately called “Lambu” by his teammates, has hit speeds of 152.6 kmph in his prime! With over 300 Test wickets, Ishant’s journey from a raw pacer to a skilled craftsman has been nothing short of “zabardast”!
Once India’s pace sensation, Varun Aaron clocked 152.5 kmph against Sri Lanka in 2010! Despite a career hampered by injuries, Aaron’s “toofani” pace earned him comparisons with the world’s fastest bowlers. As cricket pundits would say, “Aaron ka ball lightning ki tarah aata hai!”
The “Miyan Magic” Mohammed Siraj has emerged as one of India’s most improved bowlers! Touching speeds of 149.7 kmph, Siraj combines his pace with impeccable control. His rise from Hyderabad’s streets to international stardom has been truly “dhamakedaar”!
Vidarbha’s express train, Umesh Yadav, has consistently bowled at speeds touching 148.9 kmph! With his ability to reverse-swing the old ball at high pace, Umesh has often been India’s “brahmastra” on subcontinent pitches. When in rhythm, he’s “bilkul kadak”!
Mumbai’s “Lord” Shardul Thakur may not be the fastest consistently, but he has touched 147.5 kmph when charging in with full steam! His all-round abilities make him a valuable asset, and his crucial breakthroughs have earned him the reputation of being a “match palat dene wala” player!
Completing our list is the swing maestro Bhuvneshwar Kumar! Though primarily known for his swing, “Bhuvi” has touched speeds of 145.9 kmph when needed. His ability to outsmart batsmen with both pace and guile makes him “dimag aur taakat ka perfect combo”!
Gone are the days when Indian cricket was dominated by spin wizards! Today’s young brigade of pacers can make the ball fly past batsmen’s noses faster than a Mumbai local train at rush hour! The BCCI’s focus on developing fast bowlers through the MRF Pace Foundation and the National Cricket Academy has ensured that India now boasts a “dhaakad” pace attack that can rattle any batting lineup worldwide.
Current bowling coach Paras Mhambrey recently said, “Our pacers are now hunting in packs. The world better watch out when the Indian fast bowling caravan arrives on their shores!”
With youngsters like Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Shivam Mavi, and Kartik Tyagi waiting in the wings, India’s pace battery is set to become even more formidable in the coming years! These youngsters have all crossed the 145 kmph mark in domestic cricket and are being groomed for the international stage.
As former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan aptly puts it, “The next generation of Indian pace bowlers will be even faster and smarter. The future looks absolutely ‘mast’ for Indian fast bowling!”
So, the next time someone says India doesn’t produce express fast bowlers, just show them this list and watch them go “Arre baap re!”