This Indian Bowler Wants to Emulate Shoaib Akhtar After Maiden Call-Cup

Indian fast bowler Ashok Sharma is dreaming big as he continues his rise in professional cricket. The youngster believes he can one day bowl at 160 kmph and is working hard every day to turn that goal into reality and to bowl the fastest ball in cricket.

After regularly touching speeds above 150 kmph during IPL 2026, which is the biggest cricket league in the world, Sharma has gained confidence in his ability. India's squad for the three-match T20I tour of Zimbabwe has been confirmed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), with young pacer Ashok Sharma earning a place in the 15-member team.

Coming from Rampura village near Jaipur, the fast bowler has received his maiden national call-up after impressive performances in recent months. The T20I series is scheduled to take place from July 23 to July 26 in Zimbabwe, where Ashok could make his international debut.

Can Ashok Sharma Break Shoaib Akhtar's Fastest Ball Record?

The right-arm quick caught the selectors' attention with his consistent displays in domestic cricket and his ability to bowl at high speeds during the Indian Premier League (IPL), making him one of the exciting young fast-bowling prospects in the country.

However, he made it clear that pace alone does not win matches. According to him, a fast bowler must also maintain good control, bowl in the right areas, and use movement to keep batters under pressure.

His immediate focus is on performing well whenever he gets the chance and proving himself at a higher level. Ashok Sharma 160 kmph dream can be fulfilled if he stays injury-free; he can eventually reach the mark and use his extra pace to trouble some of the best batsmen in the world.

Ashok Sharma IPL & Domestic Career

Before making his IPL debut, Ashok Sharma was associated with Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Gujarat Titans, but remained on the sidelines without playing a match. Ahead of the 2026 season, the Gujarat Titans secured his services for ₹90 lakh in the 2025 IPL auction. The franchise finally handed him his first appearance against Punjab, where Ashok Sharma fastest ball was clocked at 154.2 kmph.

He featured in six matches during the season and claimed six wickets, with his best bowling figures being 2/32. Ashok's strong IPL performances also opened a new chapter in his domestic career. Impressed by his progress, the Gujarat Cricket Association offered him the opportunity to represent the state in domestic competitions.

He accepted the offer and is set to play for Gujarat from the upcoming domestic season. His rise had already been noticed by the national selectors earlier in the year. Ashok was included in the India A squad for the Sri Lanka tour in June after Yudhvir Singh suffered an injury while fielding.