Game-Changer! Mohit Sharma Says THIS One Rule is Helping Bowlers Dominate IPL 2025

In a landmark decision that will already alter the odds in favor of bowlers, the IPL 2025 has now registered, or given its formal acknowledgment of the use of saliva on the ball again, in its 18th edition. The decision reverses the ruling from when saliva was banned four years ago, as a result of COVID-19 protocols, which has received recognition from many quarters including Mohit Sharma, the pacer from Delhi Capitals.

Before Delhi Capitals’ second home game against Rajasthan Royals, Mohit told reporters, “100 per cent, the use of saliva has made a difference IPL 2025.” He explained, that there has been reverse swing on approximately 70% of the games, because the coating of saliva has been heavier in that players are using almost all of the saliva in comparison to sweat that is needed to tail the ball in.

Why Saliva Is Making a Comeback in IPL 2025

In 2020, during the peak of the pandemic, the ICC issued a ban on the usage of saliva to curb the dangers of transmission of the virus. Bowlers, each year, would rely on sweat, and they were left to use that (and dry ground conditions) to trouble batters, something we all learned was not quite as effective and led to questionable circumstance if all was going well in a dewy night game.

Fast forward to IPL 2025, and the BCCI made the decision to fully reintroduce the saliva rule, and the BCCI has given fast bowlers (and swing specialists) a tool back in their kit. In addition to the second-ball rule which was implemented prior, the balance has just tipped ever so slightly back toward the bowlers in this batters game.

What’s the Second Ball Rule in IPL 2025?

In another smart innovation, the IPL now allows the bowling side to opt for a second new ball any time after the 10th over, regardless of dew conditions. This rule is especially helpful during dew-heavy evenings, giving bowlers access to a dry, hard ball to counter slippery conditions.

Mohit shared a perfect example from DC’s last match:

“The first ball had been used for 13 overs and was wet. Mumbai changed the ball after the 13th, and Karn Sharma came in and got turn straight away. That changed the game.”

Mumbai Indians, defending 205 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, used this tactic masterfully to dismiss Tristan Stubbs, triggering a collapse that sealed a 12-run win.

Strategic Advantage for Death-Over Bowlers

A dry, hard ball allows bowlers to nail those crucial yorkers and gain better grip and control. Mohit explained:

“As a bowler, I can say it 100% makes a difference. If I’m bowling the 14th or 15th over with a dry ball, I can confidently go for the yorker.”

While this tactic hasn’t yet been discussed in team meetings, Mohit hinted that teams might start strategizing the ball switch based on predicted dew—delaying it just enough to get max benefit in the death overs.