April 18, 2025: The IPL 2025 season has come alive with thrills, spills, and a controversial rule change that has rekindled the debate over the role of fast bowlers in the T20 format. For years, saliva was banned from the cricketing world due to health concerns. But as the dust settles in the new season, the BCCI has decided to lift the ban, bringing saliva back into play for the sole purpose of shining the ball.
As the excitement around the rule change grows, one cricketer’s reaction has caught the attention of fans and pundits alike. Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) veteran pacer, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, admitted with a chuckle that he’d completely forgotten about the possibility of using saliva to assist his swing bowling.
“I forgot that I can use saliva. Yesterday when the team staff told me, I didn’t know that I have to use it,” Bhuvneshwar confessed in his usual calm and unassuming manner.
The revelation left fans amused, but it also opened a window into the challenges faced by bowlers in a game that constantly evolves. As cricket progresses, what was once second nature now feels like a relic from the past. But in the fast-paced world of the IPL, where every small advantage matters, Bhuvneshwar knows that this new-old tool could hold the key to his success.
A New Dimension to the Fast Bowling Game
While Bhuvneshwar may be getting back into the groove of using saliva, there are others who’ve quickly seized this opportunity to enhance their reverse swing game. Mitchell Starc, the Australian pacer for Delhi Capitals, was one of the first to show just how deadly reverse swing could be when paired with precise execution.
In a gripping IPL 2025 clash against Rajasthan Royals, Starc used the reintroduction of saliva to his advantage, delivering a series of near-perfect yorkers in the 20th over and during the Super Over. His ability to extract reverse swing on a dry pitch and bowl at a sharp pace of 145 km/h left the opposition in awe. Rajasthan’s batsman, Nitish Rana, was quick to praise Starc’s remarkable performance.
“Reverse swing had completely gone away from cricket, whether it was red ball or white ball. Suddenly, if someone can execute 11 yorkers in 12 balls at 145 km/h, you have to give Starc the credit,” said Rana, highlighting how this skill is making a grand return to the forefront of fast bowling.
Delhi’s captain, Axar Patel, also lauded Starc’s calm under pressure, acknowledging how critical it was to not just get the ball to reverse, but to execute it under the intense pressure of a Super Over. “It was reversing, but at that time, under pressure, he (Starc) was executing it,” Patel said. “I was just reminding him to be clear about the plans we made in the bowler’s meeting. I was getting the same response: ‘Don’t worry, skip. I’ll do it.’”
Starc’s heroics on the field have created a buzz around the IPL, with fans and players alike eagerly waiting to see who else will rise to the occasion and use reverse swing to their advantage. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, too, is preparing for his moment in the spotlight.
Bhuvneshwar’s ‘Saliva Moment’: Is He Ready?
The return of saliva to IPL 2025 presents a golden opportunity for pacers like Bhuvneshwar, who have always been known for their skillful use of swing. But it’s not just about knowing how to shine the ball—it’s about rediscovering the subtle art of reverse swing, a skill that, when executed properly, can make even the best batters look clueless.
As Bhuvneshwar prepares for RCB’s next encounter against Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, all eyes will be on his ability to exploit the dry conditions and harness the power of reverse swing. The Bangalore pitch, known for offering little bounce, could prove to be the ideal surface for Bhuvneshwar’s swing bowling.
“I’m not sure if it will help or not, but now that I remember, I will definitely try it in tomorrow’s match,” Bhuvneshwar said, adding a touch of humor to the situation. Yet, his words spoke volumes about the pressure of living up to expectations, especially after seeing the kind of impact reverse swing had in Starc’s performance.
With saliva back in play, Bhuvneshwar’s opponents will now have to face not just his skill, but also the unpredictable nature of the ball as it swings both ways, testing their ability to adjust and counter.
The Changing Landscape of IPL 2025
As the season progresses, the reintroduction of saliva will certainly add an intriguing dynamic to IPL 2025. Bowlers like Bhuvneshwar and Starc, who thrive on swing, will now have an extra edge. However, the real test will be whether the ball-shining technique truly makes a significant difference in a format as fast-paced and aggressive as T20 cricket.
For Bhuvneshwar Kumar, the reintroduction of saliva might be more than just a rule change—it’s a chance to rediscover his lethal swing and remind the cricket world why he’s still one of the most dangerous pacers in the game. And for the fans? They’ll have the privilege of watching the return of reverse swing—a lost art that could make all the difference in this year’s IPL.