For the first time since COVID-19, now bowlers can again use saliva on the ball in the IPL 2025. This change comes right 48 hours before the first match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (KKR vs RCB) at Eden Gardens on Saturday. The match is special again because it’s Virat Kohli’s 400th T20 game as well.
Varun Chakravarthy on ball change rule
Besides the saliva rule, there’s a new thing everyone is talking about: teams can request a ball change after the 11th over of the second innings in evening matches. Both teams are liking this idea. KKR’s mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy shared his thoughts on the changes. “I did see the rule changes that have come a few days before. And I don’t think that’s going to make much difference regarding the saliva.” he said.
“Maybe the dew part where you can change the ball might help the spinners. And the moment they change the ball — the 11th, 12th or 13th over could see a spinner bowling — it won’t be that wet then. So, that change we can see is what I am forecasting.” he added.
Different opinions on saliva use
Varun’s view is a bit different from what India’s fast bowler Mohammed Shami said during the Champions Trophy. Shami wanted the ICC to let players use saliva again. RCB head coach Andy Flower is happy about the ball swap rule too. “I like the rule change on the captains electing when they can take the second ball in the second half of the game,” he said.
Flower thinks that letting teams choose when to change the ball will make games fairer and more balanced. “We’re always looking for a fair balance between bat and ball. And I think in conditions where the dew does affect the teams significantly, that’s a really good rule change and about time.”
Saliva’s Role is not a big focus
For Flower, the saliva rule isn’t a big deal. He said humorously, “We’ll see if it has an effect. As long as not too many people all of a sudden become huge fans of sugary sweets,” referring to some players’ habit of using sweets with saliva on the ball.
