Ashok Sharma reveals how Brett Lee and Dale Steyn inspired his 'dream of bowling 150'
Gujarat Titans' Ashok Sharma has become IPL 2026's breakout star, consistently bowling over 150 kph and even recording the tournament's fastest delivery at 154.2 kph. Inspired by legends like Brett Lee and Dale Steyn, the 23-year-old credits coach Ashish Nehra for honing his discipline and match awareness, focusing on Test-match lengths first.
Ashok Sharma has emerged as one of the most exciting fast-bowling discoveries of IPL 2026, with the young Gujarat Titans pacer turning heads through his raw pace and fearless attitude. Clocking deliveries consistently above 150 kph, the 23-year-old has rapidly become one of the tournament’s breakout stars. Sharma recently created headlines after delivering a thunderbolt at 154.
2 kph against Rajasthan Royals batter Dhruv Jurel, the fastest delivery recorded in IPL 2026 and one of the quickest balls ever bowled in IPL history. Reflecting on the moment during an interview with ESPNcricinfo, Sharma admitted it was the fulfilment of a childhood dream inspired by legendary pacers like Brett Lee and Dale Steyn. “As a child, watching someone bowl 150 kph, I would dream that someday I would do the same.
I used to watch Brett Lee and Dale Steyn and wonder how much effort they put in, how fast they bowled and how it felt. Now I feel it myself,” Sharma said. The young quick described bowling at 150-plus as a major milestone for any fast bowler.
“Bahut badi baat hai 150 dalna (Bowling at 150 kph is a big deal). Whoever starts bowling fast dreams of bowling 150 one day. I had the same dream, which I have now achieved.