Delhi Capitals (DC) fast bowler Mohit Sharma has highlighted the positive impact of two key rule changes in IPL 2025 on reverse swing bowling. The use of saliva on the ball and the option to change the ball after 10 overs in the second innings are providing bowlers with more control and helping them generate more swing.
Saliva and Reverse Swing:
Speaking ahead of DC’s next match against Rajasthan Royals (RR), Mohit explained the difference the use of saliva has made in IPL 2025. “100%. In 70% of the games, the ball is tailing in, and it’s only because the saliva is heavy, and our sweat is not so heavy,” he said. He added that when the ball is heavier on one side, it will tail in more effectively.
Saliva was banned by the ICC in 2020 due to Covid-19 but was reintroduced for IPL 2025 after captains overwhelmingly called for the change. Mohit believes this has helped bowlers reverse swing the ball with greater consistency.
Ball Change After Ten Overs:
Another rule change that has helped bowlers this season is the option to change the ball after the 10th over of the second innings, irrespective of whether there is dew or not. “The second ball, which is harder, makes a difference,” Mohit said. “The first ball had been used for 12 overs and was a little wet due to dew, but when the 13th or 14th over started, the ball was dry and turned easily for Karn Sharma.”
This rule allows bowlers to have more control over the ball, especially when conditions are tricky due to dew. Mohit shared his experience, saying that the dry ball after a change gives him more confidence to bowl accurate yorkers.
Impact in DC’s Recent Match:
In DC’s recent game against Mumbai Indians (MI), the change of ball after 13 overs played a crucial role. MI brought on legspinner Karn Sharma, who immediately found turn with the fresh ball, resulting in a key wicket. “There’s help after the ball is changed,” Mohit confirmed. “The dry ball allows us to bowl with more control, especially for Yorkers, and it makes a significant difference in the later overs.”
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