Mohit Sharma Hails Saliva Rule Return as Game-Changer Ahead of DC vs RR IPL 2025 Clash
NEW DELHI: The cricketing world is abuzz with the return of a once-banned practice in the IPL 2025 season—the use of saliva to shine the ball. Initially prohibited during the COVID-19 pandemic as a safety measure, this rule reversal has been hailed as a major boost for bowlers, with Delhi Capitals’ fast bowler Mohit Sharma calling its impact ‘110%‘ ahead of their high-stakes encounter against Rajasthan Royals.
The saliva ban was first imposed in May 2020 by the International Cricket Council (ICC) as a temporary precaution, before being made permanent across all formats in September 2022. Its reinstatement for IPL 2025 has been met with enthusiasm from the bowling fraternity, who regard saliva as a lethal weapon in manipulating swing and reverse swing. This rule change, among others, is set to reshape strategies as the tournament progresses.
Speaking to reporters before the much-anticipated clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday, Mohit Sharma shared his excitement about the rule’s return. ‘The impact of saliva is beyond 100%—it’s a game-changer. You’ll notice in about 70% of matches now, the ball tails in significantly due to the heavier nature of saliva compared to sweat. Sweat doesn’t have the same effect, but saliva adds that crucial weight to one side of the ball, aiding swing,’ Mohit explained.
He further elaborated on how varying dew conditions across venues play a role. ‘In grounds with minimal dew, the ball’s condition can be maintained for reverse swing. Even when dew is present, a well-shined ball with saliva can still reverse, making it a potent tool for bowlers like us,’ he added with a confident smile.
Delhi Capitals, currently riding high with 8 points from 5 matches (4 wins, 1 loss), sit second on the IPL points table. They face a struggling Rajasthan Royals side, languishing in eighth place with just 4 points from 6 matches (2 wins, 4 losses). A win for DC could solidify their position among the top contenders, while RR desperately needs a turnaround to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Mohit also touched upon another significant rule change in IPL 2025—the introduction of a second new ball—which he believes heavily favors bowlers. ‘It makes a huge difference. A fresh, hard ball, especially after the 13th over, can grip and spin more or help pace bowlers hit pinpoint yorkers without the risk of slippage due to dew. I saw this firsthand in our last match,’ he noted, referring to DC’s recent 12-run loss to Mumbai Indians, where the new ball triggered a dramatic middle-order collapse during their chase.
In that game against MI, Delhi Capitals were cruising until the 13th over, when the new ball was introduced. ‘The dew had started affecting the older ball, but the replacement ball was dry and hard. It began to spin sharply, and we struggled to adapt. As a bowler, though, I appreciate how it helps in the death overs—if I’m bowling the 14th or 15th over with a newer ball, I can confidently go for yorkers knowing it won’t slip,’ Mohit reflected.
As IPL 2025 continues to unfold, rule changes like the return of saliva and the second new ball are sparking intriguing debates. For now, all eyes are on Delhi Capitals and Mohit Sharma as they prepare to exploit these advantages against Rajasthan Royals in what promises to be a thrilling encounter. Can DC maintain their winning momentum, or will RR stage an upset? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—bowlers are back in business with some serious ammunition.