IPL 2021: 5 Bowlers Who Can Break Anrich Nortje's Record Of Fastest Delivery In The History Of Tournament

Anrich Nortje, the Delhi Capitals pacer, currently holds the record of the fastest ball in the history of the IPL, which he achieved in the IPL 2020 while bowling to Rajasthan Royals opener Jos Buttler.

The South African cranked up his pace and hurled down delivery with the speedometer showing the speed of 156.22 kph, which is now a record in the IPL. Anrich Nortje, who was roped in by the Capitals as a replacement for Chris Woakes, had a breakthrough season last year in the UAE where he picked up 22 wickets helping his side through to the final.

He has also bowled the second and third-fastest delivery of the IPL. He hasn’t got a game this season though. This record set by Anrich Nortje is the one to beat for other fast bowlers; he himself could be the one to do it again.

The IPL 2021, which was suspended in May after covid-19 cases in the franchises, is set to resume in September in the UAE.

5 Bowlers Who Can Break Anrich Nortje’s Record Of Fastest Delivery In The IPL:

Kagiso Rabada

Anrich Nortje won’t mind if his compatriot Kagiso Rabada breaks his record of the fastest ball in the tournament’s history. In IPL 2019, Rabada bowled his fastest delivery clocking 154.23 kph. The right-arm speedster was the Orange Cap holder last season with 30 wickets to his name and was a crucial factor in Delhi’s surge to their maiden IPL final.

Rabada, till now has bowled the fastest ball in IPL 2021 – clocking 148.73 kph before the tournament was suspended.

Lockie Ferguson

Lockie Ferguson is all pace; he is one of the fastest bowlers in the world.  With an action akin to throwing a slingshot, Ferguson, in fact, was the second-fastest bowler last season, behind Anrich Nortje, with one of his deliveries recording 153.84 kph.

Despite impressive bowling performances for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the UAE last season, he hasn’t featured in a single game this season. With Pat Cummins unlikely to return to the second leg of the IPL, Ferguson would be KKR’s pace spearhead.

Jofra Archer

Last season Jofra Archer hurled down thunderbolts that were above 150 kph. He was the MVP of IPL 2020 for his 20-wicket season at an economy of 6.56 and dragged the Rajasthan Royals bowling attack single-handedly.

With movement available for the pacers in the UAE, Archer was a menace for the batters. Once again, if allowed by the ECB to play in the remainder of the IPL 2021, Archer could be seen in the UAE leg and could even break Anrich Nortje’s record.

Navdeep Saini

Navdeep Saini is arguably the quickest bowler in India currently. In the IPL 2019, he was right behind Rabada as the fastest bowler – Saini sent down deliveries with speeds over 152 kph.

The right-handed pacer has made his international debut in all three formats. However, injury and lack of form have hurt his position in the team, and also was dropped from the RCB this year.

Riley Meredith

Riley Meredith recently made his international debut for Australia in the series against New Zealand, before making his IPL debut for Punjab Kings. His impressive performances in the BBL and a reputation of bowling fast earned him the national call-up and an INR 8 crore contract in the IPL.

The 24-year-old will only get better from here and one day could also conquer Anrich Nortje’s fastest delivery record. So far, Meredith has featured in 4 IPL games and picked up 4 wickets.

Also Read: I Wish My Father Was Here To See This, Says Chetan Sakariya On His India Call-Up