Rated: Umran Malik, Mohsin Khan, Kuldeep Sen, Arshdeep Singh and other IPL emerging pacers

A number of young fast bowlers have impressed this season, adding to a growing pool of Indian quicks

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  Umran Malik (Sunrisers Hyderabad, 9 matches, 15 wickets, Best 5-25, Economy 8.44) - 9 out of 10: The Jammu and Kashmir youngster is the fastest bowler in the competition, with a top speed of 154kph (95.6mph). He has the best bowling figures for any bowler this season but has also gone for runs on more than one occasion. Almost certain to play for India soon, and possibly feature at the T20 World Cup in Australia. Sportzpics for IPL

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  Arshdeep Singh (Punjab Kings, 9 matches, 3 wickets, Econ 7.70) - 9: Just the three wickets for the left-arm seamer but it is his economy in the death overs that has stood out. Singh has the best economy among quicks in the last four overs this season - 6.25 - which is almost two runs better that the next best Jasprit Bumrah (8.12). Routinely bowls to well-set batsmen and almost always delivers. Sportzpics for IPL

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  Mohsin Khan (Lucknow Super Giants, 4 matches, 8 wickets, Best 4-16. Econ 6.07) - 8: Another impressive addition to India’s burgeoning pool of quality quicks. Khan is the fastest Indian left-armer in the competition, routinely touching 90mph. Plus, he is clever with his variations. Identified by veteran Ian Bishop as the future of India’s pace attack alongside Malik. Sportzpics for IPL

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  Kuldeep Sen (Rajasthan Royals, 5 matches, 8 wickets, Best 4-20, Econ 9.05) - 7. The tall quick came in as a death over and yorker specialist, showcasing his best against Bangalore while defending just 145. However, hit for a six in the last over of previous two games defending a target. Another 90mph bowler for India’s selectors to consider for the future. Sportzpics for IPL

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  Mukesh Choudhary (Chennai Super Kings, 8 matches, 11 wickets, Best 4-46, Econ 9.82) – 6.5. The classic left-arm seamer has leaked runs, but the late swing he generates augurs well for longer formats. Expect him to expedite his learning process under the watchful eyes of MS Dhoni. Sportzpics for IPL

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  Yash Dayal (Gujarat Titans 4 matches, 7 wickets, Best 3-40, Econ 9.12) - 6.5. Has held his own among some seriously good quicks in Gujarat. Like Mohsin, has good pace and extracts extra bounce because of his height. Sportzpics for IPL

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  Akash Deep (Royal Challengers Bangalore, 5 matches, 5 wickets, Best 3-45, Econ 10.88) – 5. A proven performer in domestic cricket, the Bengal quick did not enjoy the best of starts. In the absence of express pace, teams are not willing to overlook high economy rates. Sportzpics for IPL

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  Vaibhav Arora (Punjab Kings, 5 matches, 3 wickets, Econ 9.19) – 5. Arora is an interesting prospect - a swing bowler who can move the ball late and both ways. T20 cricket might not be his forte, but genuine swing and seam bowlers are always valuable. Sportzpics for IPL

The Indian Premier League has almost always been about hard-hitting batsmen, wily spinners and electric fielders. But very rarely has it been about genuine fast bowlers, especially when played in the subcontinent; India has never been very conducive to pacers.

But this season, the league phase of the tournament has been played in the western part of India to contain any coronavirus outbreak, and therefore on the quickest surfaces in the country. The Wankhede Stadium, Brabourne Stadium and DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai, and the MCA Stadium in Pune, have allowed franchises to back and also field the quickest bowlers they could lay their hands on.

And just like that, a number of gems from across the country have emerged. None shone brighter than Jammu and Kashmir express quick Umran Malik, who bowled the fastest delivery of the tournament for the second straight season – maxing out at 154kph (95.6mph). The Sunrisers Hyderabad bowler has been devastating and even when he has gone for runs, a lot of them have been off edges and uncontrolled strokes.

Malik has played a major role in sparking interest among viewers this season, which was beginning to taper off after the horror start by serial winners Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings.

Malik is the talk of the IPL town, but there are other impressive Indian quicks as well, who have showed immense promise and staked their claim for a spot in the senior Indian team.

In the picture gallery above, we have rated the emerging Indian fast bowlers of IPL 2022 who have played at least four matches. To scroll through the images, click on the arrows or swipe if on a mobile device. Stats include Rajasthan v Kolkata match on May 2.