There are many good bowlers. But, only those with great pace, precision, and swift throwing action are deemed a threat to the batters and could deliver IPL fastest ball. Among those formidable forces is Anrich Nortje.
So, let’s look at cricketers in the IPL that can make new history by potentially throwing balls faster than Anrich and their career averages in bowling balls.
More about Anrich
South African Anrich Nortje has done fantastically. While playing for Delhi Capitals in 2020, he bowled 154.8 kph to Rajasthan Royals batsman Jos Buttler.
The exciting fact is that Anrich wasn’t even supposed to be in any squad that year. He was chosen to replace Chris Woakes, and what a lucky substitution that was! Why? Because fast-paced Anrich made a 156.2 kph delivery in the same over that was scooped for a four by Jos Buttler. That is the fastest delivery in IPL recently.
Ironically, Anrich can break his record in 2021’s Indian Premier League. He already did wonders in 2020, so his main competitor truly is his past self.
Five of the Fastest Bowlers in IPL
Shaun William Tait (157.7 Kph)
If there’s one cricketer who has already broken Anrich Nortje’s record of the fastest ball in IPL history, Shaun Tait is his name.
Shaun has the highest, most prolific record of the fastest ball delivery in the IPL’s 2011 season. He played for Rajasthan Royals and bowled 157.7 Kph to Delhi Daredevil’s batsman Aaron Finch. The Australian cricketer only played 21 matches in the IPL from 2010 to 2013 and had to stop for a long while due to constant severe injuries. However, his legacy lives on.
Career Averages:
- In Tests, he delivered 414 balls.
- In ODIs, he delivered 1688 balls.
- In T20Is, he delivered 478 balls.
- In FCs, he delivered 9263 balls.
- In List As, he delivered 5063 balls.
- In the T20s, he delivered 3674 balls.
So now, let’s take a look at cricketers who can break Anrich Nortje’s record:
Dale Willem Steyn (154.4 kph)
Dale is a South African right-arm fast bowler who can swing both ways and can move quickly. His quickest delivery of all time is at 154.40 Kph. With his high speed, he could bowl the fastest ball in the IPL.
Career Averages:
- In Tests, he delivered 18608 balls.
- In ODIs, he delivered 6256 balls.
- In T20Is, he delivered 1015 balls.
- In FCs, he delivered 27183 balls.
- In List As, he delivered 8844 balls.
- In the T20s, he delivered 5065 balls.
Kagiso Rabada (154.2 Kph)
The South African right-arm fast bowler has the capability of surpassing Anrich’s track record. He bowls in the ranges of 140 to 150 Kph. One time, he delivered at a speed of 156.2 Kph. But his fastest delivery of all time is 154.20 Kph.
Career Averages:
- In Tests, he delivered 8785 balls.
- In ODIs, he delivered 4072 balls.
- In T20Is, he delivered 709 balls.
- In FCs, he delivered 12529 balls.
- In List As, he delivered 4980 balls.
- In the T20s, he delivered 2635 balls.
Lachlan Hammond Ferguson (153.8 Kph)
The right-arm fast bowler displayed his prowess in 2019’s World Cup in England, regularly bowling 150 Kph. In 2020, Lockie delivered the ball with 153.8 Kph and was the second-fastest bowler after Anrich. That said, he is considered one of the quickest bowlers globally and would potentially break the record. Currently he is the member of Kolkata Knight Riders team. However, this season of 2021, Lockie hasn’t yet played in any match.
Career Averages:
- In Tests, he delivered 66 balls.
- In ODIs, he delivered 1956 balls.
- In T20Is, he delivered 276 balls.
- In FCs, he delivered 7123 balls.
- In List As, he delivered 3580 balls.
- In the T20s, he delivered 1549 balls.
Jofra Chioke Archer (153.6 Kph)
The right-arm fast bowler’s fastest delivery of all time is at 153.6 Kph. In 2020’s IPL, Jofra was the Most Valuable Player for bowling balls above 150 kph many times. If chosen to play the rest of the IPL 2021 season, he could also beat Anrich’s record.
Career Averages:
- In Tests, he delivered 2609 balls.
- In ODIs, he delivered 911 balls.
- In T20Is, he delivered 282 balls.
- In FCs, he delivered 8856 balls.
- In List As, he delivered 1642 balls.
- In the T20s, he delivered 2700 balls.
So who do you think can break Anrich’s record? Are any of them your favorite bowler? Keep it here for more.
