Tennis ball cricket has always been a game of speed, thrill, and entertainment. While most people associate tennis ball cricket with big sixes and explosive batting, one of the most exciting aspects is fast bowling. Despite being lighter than leather balls, tennis balls can generate serious pace when bowled with the right action, wrist strength, and arm speed.
Over the years, we’ve witnessed many bowlers surprise batters with their lightning-fast deliveries. In this blog, we’ll look at the Top 15 fastest balls in tennis ball cricket, discuss how they compare to leather-ball bowling, and explore the skills required to generate that kind of pace.
Unlike leather-ball cricket, where speed is tracked by professional speed guns, tennis-ball cricket doesn’t always have official measurements. However, pace can be judged by the reaction time of the batter, the bounce off the surface, and the difficulty in timing the ball.
Many tennis ball bowlers often generate speeds close to 135–145 km/h, which is highly impressive given the lighter weight and aerodynamic difference of tennis balls.
Here’s a list of some of the fastest deliveries ever recorded or witnessed in competitive tennis ball cricket:
Often called the “Tennis Ball Shoaib Akhtar,” Ramesh shocked batters when he clocked 147 km/h during a Chennai Super League tennis ball match.
Known for his slingy action, Shafiq delivered a thunderbolt, clocking 144 km/h, rattling the stumps and leaving spectators stunned.
Naveen, a regular in North India’s big tennis ball tournaments, recorded 143 km/h during a floodlight match in Delhi.
Arjun’s fiery pace earned him the nickname “Bullet Bowler.” His fastest ball, measured unofficially at 142 km/h, is among the most talked-about in Punjab circuits.
During a popular street cricket league in Mumbai, Vignesh unleashed a ball at 141 km/h, surprising even experienced batters.
Faizan’s raw pace and accuracy make him one of the most feared bowlers in South Indian tournaments. His delivery at 140 km/h became viral on social media.
Known for his smooth action, Jitender consistently bowls in the 130+ range, with his top speed measured at 139 km/h.
Rahman’s 138 km/h rocket ball left batters ducking and earned him recognition as a rising fast bowler in zonal leagues.
With an aggressive run-up and fast-arm action, Sunil delivered 137 km/h, one of the fastest ever recorded in Tamil Nadu tennis ball cricket.
Karan’s tall frame helps him extract bounce even with tennis balls. His quickest ball at 136 km/h was bowled in a local T20 tennis tournament.
Riaz is known for mixing speed with yorkers. His fastest recorded delivery stands at 135 km/h.
A popular name in the Western India tennis ball circuit, Manish hit 134 km/h with a lethal bouncer.
Deepak’s deliveries often trouble batters with raw pace. His peak delivery was 133 km/h, bowled in a high-pressure knockout game.
Rohan’s strong shoulders make him a natural fast bowler. His quickest delivery is measured at 132 km/h.
Pradeep consistently bowls in the 125–130 km/h range. His personal best of 131 km/h earned him the title “Speed King” in his local tournament.
Bowling fast with a tennis ball requires a mix of technique, fitness, and strength:
Run-Up & Action – A smooth run-up and explosive arm rotation add pace.
Wrist & Finger Power – Snapping the wrist at release generates extra speed.
Shoulder Strength – Strong shoulders and core muscles help bowlers maintain speed.
Surface Factor – On cement or matting wickets, tennis balls skid faster, increasing perceived speed.
The Top 15 fastest balls in tennis ball cricket prove that the game isn’t just about big sixes—it’s equally about raw pace, accuracy, and fearlessness. With bowlers regularly clocking above 130 km/h, tennis ball cricket continues to thrill audiences and challenge batters at every level.
As tennis ball leagues like the Dream League of India (DLI) gain popularity, we can expect more bowlers to push the speed barrier and raise the standards of the game. Who knows—maybe the next big fast bowler for India will emerge from tennis ball cricket!