NEW DELHI: Bowlers are delighted as the use of saliva has been permitted once again in IPL 2025. The lifting of the saliva ban, which was initially introduced as a precautionary measure during the COVID-19 pandemic, stands out as one of the major rule changes ahead of the tournament.
The rule was first implemented in May 2020 as a temporary measure, and later made permanent by the ICC in September 2022 across all formats. However, the bowlers in IPL 2025 have welcomed the return of saliva — considered a lethal weapon for them — with open arms.
Ahead of Delhi Capitals‘ clash against Rajasthan Royals, pacer Mohit Sharma was asked about bowlers being allowed to shine the ball using saliva. Mohit responded: “Yes, 100%.”
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“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. So, if the ball is heavy, it will tail in. Now, there is not much dew in many grounds,” Mohit told reporters ahead of the DC vs RR match.
Delhi Capitals are set to host Rajasthan Royals on Wednesday. DC are currently second on the points table with 8 points from 5 matches — 4 wins and 1 loss. Rajasthan Royals, meanwhile, are eighth with 4 points from 6 matches — 2 wins and 4 defeats.
“So, we will say that the wet ball is also reversing. Sometimes, we will see that even though there is dew, it will still reverse. Sometimes, it happens that you maintain the condition of the ball or the other side becomes heavier. So, it reverses, but the impact of saliva is 110% on that,” Mohit said.
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Mohit also praised the new second ball rule in the IPL, saying it has worked in favour of the bowlers.
However, the same rule played a role in ending Delhi Capitals’ unbeaten run, as they fell to a 12-run defeat against Mumbai Indians. DC were well on track during the chase, but the introduction of the new ball in the 13th over triggered a middle-order collapse that turned the game in Mumbai’s favour.
“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. So the hard ball creates a little difference.
“With time, when it reaches the 15th or 16th over, the condition of the ball becomes the same. But yes, I can say that as a bowler, it has an effect. 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. So I think it makes a difference,” said Mohit.
