Ashok Sharma has emerged as one of the most exciting pace bowling discoveries of IPL 2026, with the young pacer from Gujarat Titans turning heads with his quick pace and fearless attitude. Consistently delivering over 150 kmph, the 23-year-old has quickly become one of the tournament’s breakout stars.Sharma recently made headlines after hitting a thunderous 154.2 kmph against Rajasthan Royals batsman Dhruv Jaril, the fastest ball ever recorded in IPL 2026 and one of the fastest in IPL history.Reflecting on the moment during an interview with ESPNcricinfo, Sharma admitted that it was the fulfillment of a childhood dream inspired by the legendary fast bowlers. Brett Lee And Dale Stein.“As a kid, watching someone bowl at 150 kmph, I used to dream that one day I would do the same. I used to watch Brett Lee and Dale Steyn and think how hard they worked, how fast they bowled and how it felt. Now I feel it myself,” Sharma said.
The young paceman described bowling over 150 as a major milestone for any fast bowler.He added, “150 dalana (bowling at 150 kmph is a big thing). Anyone who starts bowling dreams of bowling 150 in a day. I had the same dream, which I have achieved now. But right now my dream is to help the team win.”Sharma also credited Gujarat Titans head coach Ashish Nehra for playing a huge role in improving his bowling discipline and match awareness. According to Sharma, Nehra’s biggest lesson is to master the length of a Test match before focusing on variations.“He always stands behind the bowler during training. He talks about reading the batsman. As a fast bowler, the first thing he told us is that we should be able to bowl the length of a Test match. He has always stressed that it is important how much control we have when pitching at that length for six consecutive balls. Only then, they say, can we work on yorkers, slower ones etc and master them,” explained Sharma.Ashok Sharma was signed by Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026 auction for Rs 90 lakh, the Rajasthan-born fast bowler had previously spent time without getting a game with Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals. However, his impressive performance in the 2025–26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he took the joint-highest wickets with 22, finally gave him a proper IPL opportunity.So far this season, Sharma has taken six wickets in his first six matches with best figures of 2/32 against Lucknow Supergiants. He also boasts the highest average pace in IPL 2026 among bowlers who have bowled at least 60 balls at an average of 145.6 kmph.
