HYDERABAD/CHENNAI – Mohammed Siraj is making a compelling case for his return to the Indian white-ball team with standout performances for the Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2025 season. The fast bowler, currently out of the national setup, showcased his prowess with a remarkable four-wicket haul that steered GT to a convincing victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday.
Siraj has emerged as one of the primary beneficiaries of the recent decision to lift the saliva ban in the IPL. The change, implemented just before the start of the season, has evidently played a crucial role in his resurgence. ‘Yes, 100%,’ Siraj affirmed when asked about the impact of the rule change. ‘If the ball tails a bit, there is a wicket. Without saliva, the ball comes onto the bat more easily. Even a slight movement can result in bowled or leg-before dismissals.’
Former India pacer and current Tamil Nadu head coach L Balaji highlighted the technical advantages of using saliva over sweat. ‘Sweat contains more sodium, making the ball heavier. Saliva, however, helps maintain the ball’s balance and is absorbed better, allowing bowlers like Siraj to achieve a better grip and more swing,’ Balaji, who previously served as the bowling coach for Chennai Super Kings, explained to TOI.
The use of saliva not only aids in maintaining a shinier side of the ball but also facilitates reverse swing, a tactic Siraj effectively employed during his match-winning spell. His in-swingers in the penultimate over resulted in a crucial double-wicket haul, underscoring the tangible benefits of the rule change for fast bowlers.
The IPL had initially banned the use of saliva during the Covid-19 pandemic, a restriction that was lifted just before the current season. However, the ban remains in place for international cricket. Balaji noted that the comfort of using saliva, a technique bowlers of Siraj’s generation grew up with, was suddenly taken away, making its return a significant boost.
‘There’s a comfort level involved, and I’m sure that’s the case with Siraj. Combined with his experience, he’s looking really good,’ Balaji added. The lifting of the saliva ban has also contributed to a noticeable decrease in the frequency of 200-plus chases in the IPL, suggesting a broader impact on the game’s dynamics.
Former Australian cricket legend Glenn McGrath had previously commented on the issue, stating, ‘I do not think that saliva is the issue; soaking on mint and other things is. I have no issue with using saliva as long as there is nothing else being used,’ reflecting a nuanced view on the matter.