A new name has taken the spotlight in the Indian Premier League 2026 season, as Ashok Sharma, a 23-year-old pacer representing Gujarat Titans, delivered a thunderbolt that has already become one of the defining moments of the tournament.
Fastest Ball of IPL 2026
During a match in Ahmedabad, Ashok clocked a stunning 154.2 kmph delivery in the 16th over—officially the fastest ball of IPL 2026 so far. Just two balls earlier, he had already breached the 150 kmph mark with a delivery at 150.7 kmph, showcasing his ability to consistently bowl at high speeds.
With this effort, he overtook the previous benchmark set by Anrich Nortje, underlining his arrival as one of the quickest bowlers in the league this season.
Rising Star from Rajasthan
Hailing from Rajasthan, Ashok Sharma is known for more than just pace. He has built a reputation as a bowler who can swing the ball both ways while maintaining disciplined line and length—an attribute that makes him dangerous in all phases of a T20 game.
His journey hasn’t been overnight. Ashok previously spent time as a net bowler with Rajasthan Royals, where he impressed players and support staff with his skill and work ethic.
IPL Journey and Career Progression
Ashok’s performances at domestic and trial levels earned him recognition early on. He was picked up after impressing at trials and gradually moved through different setups before landing a contract with Gujarat Titans in the 2026 auction for ₹90 lakh.
Before that, he had stints linked with Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals, gaining exposure and experience in high-performance environments.
Impressive Domestic Numbers
Despite being early in his career, Ashok has already put together promising numbers:
- T20s: 33 wickets in 11 matches
- First-class: 14 wickets in 4 matches
- List A: 13 wickets in 7 matches
These figures highlight his wicket-taking ability across formats, not just in the shortest version of the game.
Match Context
In the same game, Rajasthan Royals posted a strong total of 210/6, powered by half-centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel. For Gujarat, Kagiso Rabada chipped in with two wickets, but it was Ashok’s sheer pace that stole the headlines.
A Name to Watch
With express pace, control, and the ability to swing the ball, Ashok Sharma is quickly emerging as one of India’s most exciting fast-bowling prospects. If he continues on this trajectory, IPL 2026 could just be the beginning of a much bigger story.