Ashok Sharma, the 23-year-old right-arm fast bowler from Rajasthan, has turned the IPL 2026 season on its head. Playing for the Gujarat Titans, Sharma clocked a blistering 154 kmph delivery against Rajasthan Royals, the fastest ball of the IPL 2026 season so far, surpassing South Africa’s Anrich Nortje. Just two balls earlier, he had registered 150.7 kmph, signalling this was no fluke.
Sharma was bought by Gujarat Titans for ₹90 lakh at the IPL 2026 mega auction. This marks his third IPL franchise, he was previously with Kolkata Knight Riders (₹55 lakh, 2022) and Rajasthan Royals (₹30 lakh, 2025). Despite being in multiple squads across seasons, his debut only came in IPL 2026, making his explosive entry all the more remarkable.
“He has an action reminiscent of Dale Steyn, whom he closely studied, combined with pronounced outswing that makes him dangerous on any surface.”
A Domestic Prodigy in the Making
Sharma made his professional debut as recently as October 2025, playing for Rajasthan against Jammu & Kashmir in the Ranji TWho Is Ashok Sharma? GT Speedster Bowls 154 kmph Fastest Ball IPL 2026rophy.
He claimed 3 wickets in his debut match and finished the season with an impressive 14 wickets from just 4 matches. His rise in domestic cricket has been nothing short of a rocket launch.
The real breakthrough, however, came in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025. Sharma picked up 22 wickets in 9 matches at a stunning average of 15.63, the joint-most by any bowler in a single edition.
He registered two four-wicket hauls and consistently touched the high-140s, making batters uncomfortable across the country.
His economy rate of 7.12 in the Rajasthan Premier League (2023, 8 wickets) also showed he can perform under pressure in the shortest format.
The Net Bowler Who Earned His Stars
Before all the spotlight, Ashok Sharma served as a net bowler for Rajasthan Royals in 2024, a role often overlooked but crucial in preparing match-day players.
His hard work in the shadows earned him rave reviews from Royals stars, setting the stage for an auction pickup.
His first T20 cap for Rajasthan came in November 2025 against Tamil Nadu, where he took 3 wickets on debut despite conceding 40 runs, a sign of both raw talent and the steep learning curve ahead.
India A Call-Up and International Radar
His sensational domestic form earned him a place in the India A squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup warm-up fixtures.
Against the USA, he returned figures of 1/24, and against Namibia, a sharper 2/8, announcing himself on the global stage before even completing a full IPL campaign. Selectors are clearly keeping a very close eye on this young speedster.
His IPL 2026 Debut and the 154 kmph Moment
On his IPL debut (Match 4, PBKS vs GT), Sharma opened with a 149.7 kmph delivery, the first ball of his IPL career. Against Rajasthan Royals on April 5, he went a step further.
Operating consistently in the high-140s, the defining moment came when he clocked 154 kmph on the final delivery of the 16th over, the fastest ball of IPL 2026, breaking Anrich Nortje’s record.
His slower-ball variation (clocked at 109 kmph against Marco Jansen) also showcased tactical intelligence beyond his age.
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With 33 T20 wickets in just 11 matches, 14 first-class wickets and 13 List A wickets, Ashok Sharma is rapidly building the profile of a future India pacer. The Gujarat Titans may have unearthed one of the most exciting fast-bowling prospects in Indian cricket in a long time.
