Ashok Sharma has quickly emerged as one of the most talked-about young fast bowlers in the IPL 2026, making history with a record-breaking spell for Gujarat Titans. The 23-year-old right-arm pacer grabbed national attention during the match against Rajasthan Royals when he clocked a stunning 154.2 kmph delivery, registering the fastest ball of IPL 2026.
The landmark moment came during a high-intensity phase of the game, with Sharma unleashing his quickest delivery on the final ball of the 16th over. The ball, timed at 154.2 kmph, surpassed the fastest delivery recorded earlier in the season by Anrich Nortje and immediately became the benchmark for IPL 2026. Notably, the effort was part of a sustained spell of express pace, with Sharma having already clocked 150.7 kmph just two deliveries earlier. Across his four-over spell, he breached the 150 kmph mark on three separate occasions, underlining that his pace was not a one-off effort but a consistent threat.
Who is Ashok Sharma?
Born on June 17, 2002, in Rajasthan, Ashok Sharma is a right-arm fast bowler known for his ability to generate pace along with swing. He combines speed with control, maintaining a disciplined line and length while also moving the ball both ways, which has made him a promising prospect in India’s fast-bowling circuit.
His rise has been backed by strong domestic performances, particularly in the 2025 edition of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he represented Rajasthan and finished as the joint-highest wicket-taker of the tournament with 22 wickets in just 10 matches.
Sharma’s journey to the IPL has been gradual. He initially served as a net bowler for Rajasthan Royals, where he gained exposure to top-level cricket and worked closely with established players. His performances in the nets earned him his first IPL contract in 2022, when Kolkata Knight Riders signed him for INR 55 lakh. However, he did not get an opportunity to play a match that season.
He later returned to Rajasthan Royals, who picked him up for INR 30 lakh at the 2025 mega auction, but he again spent the season on the bench without making an appearance.
Ahead of IPL 2026, Gujarat Titans secured his services for INR 90 lakh, backing his pace and domestic performances.
With the fastest delivery of IPL 2026 and a strong domestic record to his name, Ashok Sharma has established himself as one of the emerging fast-bowling talents in Indian cricket, drawing attention for both his raw pace and his ability to sustain it under pressure.
