Mohit acknowledges impact of rule changes in restoring bat-ball balance

In a significant shift ahead of the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially rolled back the ban on the use of saliva to shine the cricket ball. This decision, welcomed enthusiastically by bowlers across the cricketing world, is being seen as a step toward restoring balance between bat and ball, which many felt had tilted heavily in favor of batters in the post-COVID era. Among the many voices celebrating the move is veteran pacer and Delhi Capitals bowler Mohit Sharma, who recently expressed his support for the decision, calling it “a return to the roots of fast bowling.”

The Context: Saliva Ban Since COVID-19

The saliva ban was initially introduced by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2020 as a temporary health precaution during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cricket had come to a standstill for months, and as it resumed, strict bio-bubbles, contact tracing, and hygiene regulations were put in place. One such measure was prohibiting the use of saliva to shine the ball, a long-standing practice used primarily by fast bowlers to generate reverse swing or conventional movement through the air.

While sweat was still permitted, it simply didn’t offer the same results as saliva. Over time, pacers around the world began voicing concerns, arguing that the inability to use saliva had dulled the effectiveness of swing bowling, especially in dry or cooler climates where sweat wasn’t always available or effective.

The Decision to Bring It Back

After years of monitoring the post-pandemic health climate and listening to feedback from players, coaches, and analysts, the BCCI made the landmark decision to reverse the ban on saliva use for domestic tournaments, including the IPL. This change, effective immediately ahead of IPL 2025, reflects a growing confidence in safety protocols and acknowledges the competitive imbalance created by the ban.

Sources within the BCCI stated that the move came after extensive consultation with health experts, players, and performance analysts who provided data showing that saliva-based ball shining poses minimal risk under current conditions.

Bowlers’ Delight

Fast bowlers, in particular, have welcomed the announcement with open arms. Over the past few years, batting averages have climbed, boundaries have become more frequent, and the once-dreaded late swing has diminished in presence. For many pacers, the return of saliva is not just a nostalgic callback but a crucial tactical advantage.

Mohit Sharma, known for his clever variations and mastery of swing bowling, was among the first to publicly endorse the decision.

“It’s something we’ve grown up with,” Mohit told reporters during a pre-season Delhi Capitals training session. “Using saliva on the ball is an integral part of swing bowling. It’s not about gaining an unfair advantage—it’s about giving bowlers the tools to compete.”

He went on to say that the past few seasons have been particularly challenging for swing bowlers. “You try to get the shine with sweat, but it’s just not the same. Especially in matches where conditions are dry or the humidity is low, your options are very limited. The ball stops talking very early.”

Mohit’s sentiments are echoed by other prominent bowlers in the IPL, including Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and overseas stars like Trent Boult and Kagiso Rabada. Many have noted how the ability to generate swing later into the innings can drastically alter the dynamics of a T20 game.

Technical Implications for IPL 2025

The return of saliva could significantly impact team strategies for the upcoming season. Franchise analysts and coaches are already recalibrating their bowling plans, field placements, and even player selections to take advantage of the renewed potential for movement.

Swing bowlers are expected to play a more central role, especially during the powerplay and death overs. Teams that rely heavily on express pace or cutters might also integrate more traditional swing bowlers into their line-ups, adding another dimension to their bowling attacks.

Spinners may also benefit indirectly. When fast bowlers are able to exert pressure by generating early wickets through swing, spinners are introduced into the attack against less confident batters. This can create wicket-taking opportunities in the middle overs, where spinners have often been used for containment.

Batters Must Adapt

While the news is good for bowlers, batters will now have to adjust their techniques once again. Over the last few years, many batters had grown comfortable knowing that the ball wouldn’t move much after the initial overs. With the reintroduction of saliva, they will now have to be more cautious, especially against skilled swing bowlers who can exploit even minimal movement.

Technical adjustments such as playing late, watching the seam closely, and maintaining a solid head position will become even more important. Opening batters, in particular, will need to sharpen their skills against the swinging ball.

The Fan Perspective

Cricket fans around the world have reacted positively to the news, especially those who appreciate the nuanced battle between bat and ball. The artistry of swing bowling—be it an inswinging yorker, a late outswinger, or the rarely seen reverse swing—is a joy to watch, and its re-emergence promises to make IPL 2025 a more thrilling contest.

Social media platforms lit up with reactions from former cricketers and fans alike. Many shared clips of classic swing deliveries from past IPL seasons, expressing excitement for a return to such moments. The expectation is that matches will now be more evenly contested, with lower scores not necessarily translating to dull games.

Safety Still a Priority

While the decision has been met with widespread applause, the BCCI has emphasized that safety remains a top priority. Players will continue to be monitored, and stadium staff, ball boys, and ground crews will adhere to hygiene protocols. Regular medical screenings and improved ball maintenance procedures are expected to accompany the change.

Dr. Vivek Sinha, a sports medicine expert associated with the IPL, remarked, “With the virus now endemic and vaccination rates high, the risk of transmission via saliva on cricket balls is minimal. The decision was taken after careful consideration of health data and player welfare.”

Looking Ahead

As the IPL 2025 season nears, all eyes will be on how this decision plays out on the field. Will it usher in a new golden age for swing bowlers? Will batting collapses become more common again? Or will it simply restore the balance that fans and players have longed for?

One thing is certain: with experienced pacers like Mohit Sharma leading the charge, and teams rethinking their strategies, this year’s IPL is poised to be one of the most tactically intriguing seasons in recent memory.

The team bowling second is now allowed a second ball any time after the tenth over irrespective of dew. Mumbai Indians, defending 205 at the dew-soaked Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday, opted for a ball change after the 13th over and brought on their legspinner Karn Sharma, who got turn right away with the dry ball to prize out DC’s spin-hitter Tristan Stubbs cheaply, triggering a collapse that saw MI win by 12 runs.

“So, yes, definitely the new ball – a hard ball – does make a difference although by the 15th-16th over, the ball’s condition turns just like the first one. But being a bowler I can say it 100% makes a difference. Like if I’m bowling the 14th or 15th over after the ball changes, I’ll be more confident of bowling a yorker because the ball is dry and it won’t slip.