Mumbai, April 10 – Over its 19-year history, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has brought to the forefront many unknown young Indian pacers who have excelled and made a name for themselves. Ashok Sharma, a lightning-fast bowler for the Gujarat Titans, is the latest local talent who has captured the attention of IPL fans, just like his peers. Sharma hopes to one day play for India, dominating batsmen on the international stage.
Examples include Kamran Khan in 2008, Umran Malik in 2021-22, and Mayank Yadav in recent seasons. Some of them have achieved incredible speeds before injuries hampered their progress.
The 23-year-old Ashok became the newest pace sensation to emerge in the IPL when he bowled the fastest delivery of the 2026 season on April 4, reaching a stunning 154.2 kph against Rajasthan Royals (RR). Ashok Sharma surpassed South African quick Anrich Nortje's 150.9 kph, becoming only the second bowler in the season to reach that speed.
In a media interaction on Friday, Sharma avoided discussing the IPL's "speed demons" who have struggled with injuries after hitting the 150 kph mark. He said that if he continues to follow his training regimen, gets enough rest, and eats properly, he can avoid injuries.
Sharma, who believes that the margin for error is smaller in the IPL compared to domestic cricket, emphasizes the importance of consistent and diligent training.
"I want to continue doing what I have been doing consistently – like getting enough sleep and eating properly. If I need to go to the gym, I go; if I need to go to the pool, I go – these are the things I focus on the most," said Ashok Sharma during the media interaction from the Gujarat Titans base in Ahmedabad.
Sharma also clarified that he is not focused on breaking the IPL record for the fastest delivery, which is 157 kmph, set by Umran Malik while playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad.
"No, I don't have any such thoughts in mind – that I need to break a record. I have always maintained that I simply want to perform well for the team and play for India," said Ashok Sharma.
Sharma has a great mentor in former India pacer Ashish Nehra, the head coach of the Gujarat Titans. But Sharma said that both of his mentors have advised him not to focus on the speed record but rather to concentrate on following the process and honing his skills.
Sharma, who has played for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals, where he was a key bowler, before joining Gujarat Titans for Rs 90 lakh in the latest auction, relies on his pace, but also has a good slower delivery and a mean yorker. Sharma says these are his go-to deliveries.
"My 'back-of-the-hand' slower ball is quite effective, and I tend to take the most wickets using my slower ones and my yorkers," said the pacer who hails from Rampura, around 80km from Jaipur. His father, Nathulal, is a farmer, and Ashok is following in the footsteps of his brother Akshay, who put his aspirations on hold to help his brother achieve his cricket dreams.
Now, with success coming his way, Ashok is keeping himself grounded and says he is not getting carried away by fame. The support from his family is keeping him grounded.
"As for my family, their perspective hasn't really changed at all. To them, I am still the same person as before, and I remain the same person now. There isn't really any difference; they treat me the same way. Regarding friends and relatives, if someone is doing well, they go, 'Wow! Amazing!' But if someone isn't doing anything at the moment, they’ll say things like, "What is he even doing? He’s not doing anything at all!'—that sort of attitude. As for support—whatever support I can provide... whatever support people ask of me—I am doing my best to provide it," said Sharma.
As of now, Ashok has only one aim: to capitalize on whatever opportunities he gets and go on to play for India.
"There have been many changes in life since the day I joined IPL. But my only goal for the future is to play for India," said Sharma.
