'150 kph loading' - Twitter amazed after speed gun shows Ravi Ashwin bowling at 131.6 kph in GT vs RR game

Indian and Rajasthan Royals (RR) spinner Ravichandran Ashwin matched the bowling speed of the likes of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ishant Sharma, and Shardul Thakur among other Indian bowlers during the Qualifier 1 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022. Gujarat Titans (GT) and RR were involved in the first playoffs match of the ongoing edition.

To note, the veteran off-spinner was bowling his second over of the quota during the 8th over of the second innings. The Australian wicketkeeper-batter Matthew Wade was on the strike as Ashwin bowled a delivery measuring 131.6 km/h delivery. However, the left-handed batter played the ball at its merit and nudged the ball towards mid-wicket to gather a single. But, the duo of Wade and opener Shubman Gill was involved in a run-out at the very next ball of the over, with the Indian batter going back to the pavilion after scoring 35 runs.

Ashwin went wicketless and gave away 40 runs in his four-over quota

With the speedometer showing that Ashwin bowled a 131.6 km/h delivery, the netizens found it hard to believe. To note, the right-arm spinner was not at his best as he was taken away for 40 runs in his four-over quota and did not manage to get any wickets.

131.6 kph by Ashwin. Umm…what?? pic.twitter.com/kZUAVTqxQT

— Flighted Leggie 🏏 (@flighted_leggie) May 24, 2022

Coming to the match, RR posted a competitive total of 188 runs in their allotted 20 overs. England batter Jos Buttler and skipper Sanju Samson were the prominent scorers for the Royals. For GT, Mohammed Shami, Dayal, Hardik Pandya, and R Sai Kishore scalped one wicket each.

In reply, some crucial contributions from Gill, Wade, skipper Hardik Pandya and player of the match David Miller ensured that the new entrants confirm their place in the final of IPL 2022. For RR, Trent Boult and Obed McCoy were the successful bowlers as they scalped one wicket each.

The Royals will now face the winner of the match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Lucknow Super Giants, to get one more shot to beat the Titans. Meanwhile, Twitter questioned the legitimacy of the speed gun after it showed Ashwin bowling at 131.6 kph.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

I'm doubting this tech nowhttps://t.co/oB6ocnmRVY

— Raviteja Rajavarapu  (@RajavarapuRavi) May 24, 2022

Probably the estimation of the speed of Gill's bat that would hit wade

— JT Rathod (@Cricketpichodu) May 24, 2022

Ashwin has experimented with his action and release point so much that he has become a medium pacer 😂

— Harish (@Harish82601906) May 24, 2022

He wants to win Swiggy Instamart Fastest Delivery

— adi (@Aditya17Jha) May 24, 2022

The same speed with which Buttler was run out at the non-striker's by him…

— Rohit Sankar (@imRohit_SN) May 24, 2022

Kahi Shoaib Akhtar ka record aswin hi na tod de 😂

— CHATRA RAM PARMAR (@chatra_parmar) May 24, 2022

Should be given swiggy award

— Cricket fan (@ReLaStiCfAn) May 24, 2022

150 kph loading 🤷🏻‍♂️

— Vaibhav Pareek (@VaibhavP_08) May 24, 2022