IPL 2021: Top 5 Fastest Bowlers So Far In The Tournament

Speed is one of the most crucial weapons of any fast bowler. Just like speed without swing and variations makes for any batsmen easy to hit a bowler for runs comfortably, lack of pace could prove as significant. Thus, bowlers have to get all of it in sync across formats to make life difficult for the batsmen, irrespective of the venue or conditions.

Over the years, mainly in IPL, several bowlers have made a mark through their sheer pace. With IPL providing opportunities to even the rawest cricketers, they gain the confidence to bowl with full speed. As such, the speeds they hit gain plenty of recognition, with even international teams eyeing to have them with them as soon as possible.

We take a look at the top 5 fastest bowlers in IPL 2021 so far:

5. Pat Cummins – 146.71 KMPH:

Kolkata Knight Riders seamer Pat Cummins, their most expensive player, has been a handy cricketer. Though Pat Cummins is yet to produce a piledriver of performance for the Knight Riders, he has done decently and is growing into a reliable, hard-hitting batsman too. The 27-year old’s availability is doubtful for the UAE leg of IPL 2021.

Meanwhile, Pat Cummins’ fastest ball went up to 146.71 kmph in IPL 2021. The right-arm speedster ended up as the highest wicket-taker for the franchise this year, taking nine scalps in seven games at 26.33. But the two-time champions remain at the seventh position in the points table with only two wins out of seven matches.

4. Khaleel Ahmed – 147.38 KMPH:

SunRisers Hyderabad seamer Khaleel Ahmed has been a promising bowler; however, his career has been marred with inconsistencies. Khaleel Ahmed’s best year in IPL came in 2019 when he snared 19 wickets in nine games at a credible average. However, the Rajasthan-born pacer’s performances have been below par.

The 23-year old has picked up only four wickets in five matches this year so far at a mediocre average of 41. Ahmed has hit a speed of 147.38 kmph in IPL 2021, which is the fourth-highest this season. Nevertheless, Ahmed’s SunRisers’ performances have been forgettable so far, languishing at the bottom with only victory and six losses.

3. Mohammed Siraj – 147.67 KMPH:

Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Mohammed Siraj has been one of the most improved bowlers in the current era. Mohammed Siraj’s relentless backing has reaped rich results as the right-arm seamer has not only become an economical bowler but also a wicket-taking one. He has taken six wickets in seven games in IPL 2021 at 31.83, keeping an economy rate of 7.34.

Siraj hit a speed of 147.67 kmph in IPL 2021, being one of the fastest in the 14th edition of the lucrative league. His bowling has been one of the strengths for the Royal Challengers Bangalore, which endured one of the best seasons this year, based on the initial matches. They would undoubtedly be amongst the favourites when it resumes in the UAE.

2. Chris Jordan – 148.47 KMPH, 146.89 KMPH:

England’s T20 specialist Chris Jordan is amongst the best death bowlers in the format today. Based on his promising season for the Punjab Kings last year, the franchise retained Chris Jordan’s services. Nevertheless, the right-arm seamer’s outings have been mediocre so far, picking up two wickets in three games at 38.

Chris Jordan hit staggering speeds of 148.47 KMPH, 146.89 kmph in IPL 2021 so far. Unfortunately, Jordan’s availability for the UAE leg of the cash-rich league remains under doubt as ECB are unlikely to allow their players to participate. As for Punjab Kings, they are at the sixth position with three victories and five defeats.

1. Kagiso Rabada – 148.73 KMPH, 148.40 KMPH 147.62 KMPH, 146.93 KMPH, 146.85 KMPH:

As the pace spearhead of the Delhi Capitals, Kagiso Rabada has not delivered as per expectations. Kagiso Rabada has not only been expensive with the ball, but also been less penetrative – something that he achieved in the past seasons frequently. The right-arm speedster has only picked up six wickets in seven games at 28.50, maintaining an economy rate of 8.76.

Nevertheless, Rabada has not held up his pace as he clocked speeds of 148.73 kmph, 148.40 kmph 147.62 kmph, 146.93 kmph, 146.85 kmph. But despite the 2020 IPL’s purple cap winner’s underwhelming performances, the Capitals have topped the table with 12 points in their kitty by securing six wins in eight games. They are arguably the prime favourites to go one step ahead of last year in 2021.

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