The art of reverse swing is set to make a grand return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officially lifted the ban on saliva usage to shine the ball. In a crucial meeting held at the BCCI headquarters, all ten IPL captains unanimously agreed to the move, citing the need to restore balance between bat and ball.
Swinging Back to Tradition
The ban on saliva, initially introduced in May 2020 as a COVID-19 precaution, had since been normalized in cricket. In September 2022, it was deemed "appropriate and made permanent" by the International Cricket Council (ICC). However, with IPL matches now witnessing an unprecedented run-fest due to the Impact Player rule, the need to level the playing field for bowlers became a priority.
Veteran Indian pacer Mohammed Shami was among the strongest voices advocating for the return of saliva usage. “We are trying reverse swing, but we don’t have the full use of saliva. We keep appealing that it should be allowed back so that we can bring reverse swing into the game and make it more interesting,” he had stated during the recent Champions Trophy.
His argument resonated with IPL captains, who acknowledged that the game's balance had tilted significantly in favor of batters. While sweat was an alternative, it often proved insufficient, especially in dry conditions where some players sweat less than others. With bowlers struggling to maintain any significant movement in the air, power-hitting became the dominant narrative, making life increasingly difficult for pace bowlers.
How It Works: The Science Behind Saliva
Saliva is traditionally used by fast bowlers to maintain one side of the ball while leaving the other rough. This contrast aids in conventional swing initially and, as the ball ages, helps in reverse swing—a technique that makes the ball swerve late and unpredictably, challenging batters.
With the ban in place, bowlers were forced to rely solely on sweat, which lacked the viscosity to produce the same level of shine. The result? More hitting-friendly conditions, especially under the Impact Player rule, which allows teams to bolster their batting depth significantly.
A Second New Ball to Counter Dew
In addition to reinstating saliva use, the BCCI has introduced another significant change—allowing a second new ball to be used midway through the second innings of IPL matches. This decision comes as a response to the heavy impact of dew in night games, which often tilted the odds overwhelmingly in favor of teams chasing.
Dew has been a recurring concern in IPL, turning matches into one-sided affairs where defending a target became an uphill battle. With bowlers unable to grip the ball properly, captains often found themselves at the mercy of conditions rather than tactics. By introducing a second new ball, the BCCI aims to neutralize this effect and provide bowlers with a better chance to execute their plans.
Implications for the Global Game
While the saliva ban has only been lifted for the IPL, its reinstatement could have a ripple effect on international cricket. The ICC will closely monitor how the move plays out in the tournament before reconsidering its stance for ODIs and Tests.
With reverse swing playing a crucial role in longer formats, especially as the ball ages beyond 20–25 overs, fast bowlers worldwide have long been vocal about their concerns. Several pacers have lamented the loss of reverse swing in ODIs, where two new balls per innings have already minimized its impact. If IPL 2025 successfully brings back swing, it may reignite discussions on revisiting ICC’s permanent ban.
Final Thoughts
The IPL is known for its aggressive, high-scoring contests, but cricket remains a game of fine margins. With the return of saliva-assisted swing and the introduction of a second new ball, bowlers might finally get a much-needed reprieve in an era dominated by fearless stroke-makers.
As the 2025 season approaches, one thing is certain—the battle between bat and ball is about to get a whole lot more intriguing. Will these rule changes bring back the lost art of reverse swing? The IPL will provide the ultimate test.