Bowlers Celebrate Saliva Return As IPL 2025 Heats Up – Evrim Ağacı

NEW DELHI: In a significant turn of events for bowlers in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, the use of saliva to shine the ball has been permitted once again. This rule change marks a major shift from the restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw the saliva ban introduced in May 2020. The International Cricket Council (ICC) made this ban permanent in September 2022 across all formats of the game. However, with the lifting of this restriction, bowlers in the IPL are celebrating what many consider a game-changing advantage.
As the Delhi Capitals prepare to host the Rajasthan Royals on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, pacer Mohit Sharma expressed his enthusiasm for the return of saliva, stating, “Yes, 100%. Now, you will see that in 70% of the games, the ball is tailing in. So, that is happening because saliva is heavy, and sweat is not that heavy.” Mohit’s comments highlight the importance of saliva in enhancing the ball’s performance, particularly in conditions where dew can affect play.

The Delhi Capitals currently stand second on the points table with 8 points from 5 matches, boasting 4 wins and just 1 loss. In contrast, the Rajasthan Royals are struggling at eighth place with only 4 points from 6 matches, having won 2 and lost 4. Mohit further elaborated on the impact of saliva, saying, “The wet ball is also reversing. Sometimes, we will see that even though there is dew, it will still reverse. The impact of saliva is 110% on that.” This sentiment reflects the excitement among bowlers who feel more empowered with this crucial tool back in their arsenal.
Moreover, Mohit praised another rule change in the IPL: the introduction of a second ball after the ten-over mark in the second innings. He noted, “It helps 100%, and we saw that in the last game too. Initially, the 12-over ball was a little wet, as dew came in the last game. When their innings was ending, dew started coming in and it was good in the second innings. When Karn changed the ball after the 13th over, the ball started spinning.” This change is aimed at countering the challenges posed by dew, which often makes it difficult for bowlers to maintain control over the ball.
Reflecting on the Delhi Capitals’ recent performance, Mohit pointed out that the new ball rule played a significant role in their narrow 12-run defeat against the Mumbai Indians. “If we go back to the last match, we were almost through, but unfortunately, the middle-order collapsed and that’s why we lost the match,” he said. The loss was a setback for the Capitals, who were on a strong run before this match.
Mohit’s insights into the bowling dynamics reveal a deeper understanding of how these rule changes can influence match outcomes. He emphasized that, as a bowler, he prefers to bowl yorkers when the ball is dry, saying, “If I bowl the 14th or 15th over, where the ball has changed, I will always prefer to hit the yorker, because the ball is dry, and it won’t slip.” This strategy showcases how bowlers are adapting to the evolving conditions of the game.

In addition to discussing the technical aspects of bowling, Mohit also spoke highly of his teammate Kuldeep Yadav, praising his performance despite challenging conditions. “He is very good for the team. How KD has bowled, despite having small grounds and dew, is incredible,” Mohit said. His remarks indicate the crucial role Yadav plays in the bowling lineup, especially under pressure.
On the topic of captaincy, Mohit shared his thoughts on Axar Patel’s leadership style. “The atmosphere is very good. Axar and I have played a lot of cricket together, and I know him personally. So, after becoming the captain, nothing has changed. He keeps the atmosphere light,” he explained. This camaraderie appears to foster a supportive environment within the team, essential for overcoming challenges in a high-stakes tournament like the IPL.
As the Delhi Capitals gear up for their match against the Rajasthan Royals, the stakes are high. Both teams have had contrasting fortunes in the tournament so far, with the Capitals looking to bounce back from their recent defeat and the Royals hoping to find some momentum. The match at Arun Jaitley Stadium promises to be an exciting encounter, with both teams eager to secure a crucial victory.
The rivalry between the Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals has a rich history, with 29 matches played between them. The Royals have won 15 of these encounters, while the Capitals have claimed victory in 14. This close contest adds an extra layer of intrigue as fans eagerly anticipate the clash.
In conclusion, the return of saliva use and the new ball rule are set to significantly impact the dynamics of IPL 2025. As bowlers like Mohit Sharma adapt to these changes, fans can expect to see thrilling performances and strategic gameplay in the matches to come. With the Capitals and Royals facing off, the excitement is palpable as the teams vie for supremacy in this year’s tournament.
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