Follow UsMohit Sharma, the veteran pacer from Delhi Capitals (DC), explained in detail how the use of saliva, which has been allowed in IPL 2025, even as it remains banned in international cricket, has helped fast bowlers and, to an extent,t put a hold on the advantages of batters that they used to get even with the old ball in the T20s.
“It has made a difference, 100 percent. In a majority of the games, the ball is tailing in,” Mohit said on April 15, after he was asked about the effect of the use of saliva in the tournament, ahead of his side’s game against Rajasthan Royals on April 16 (Wednesday) in New Delhi.
Mohit dissected the difference between saliva use, which has been allowed since this season, and sweat use, which was allowed between 2020 and 2024.
“Saliva is heavy. Sweat isn’t that heavy. When the ball is heavy on one side, it will reverse. There isn’t a lot of dew on most grounds. And even when there is dew, the ball will reverse if you maintain it well. Allowing saliva has definitely made an impact on getting reverse swing,” said the 36-year-old.
Another Indian pacer, Mohammed Siraj, who has been simply brilliant with both the old and new ball this season, also batted for use of saliva.
After his best match figures ever against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Hyderabad, where he picked 4/17, Siraj said, “If the ball tails a bit, it is a wicket. When there is no saliva, the ball comes onto the bat easily. This rule makes it much better for the bowlers, with LBW and bowled now being a chance.”