IPL bowlers thrive with reverse swing after saliva ban ends

The return of saliva on the ball in the Indian Premier League (IPL) is proving to be a boon for fast bowlers, helping them generate reverse swing.

Among the bowlers benefiting from this change is Gujarat Titans' Mohammed Siraj, who has been in excellent form.

Siraj was the standout performer in Gujarat's third consecutive victory in the T20 tournament, claiming figures of 4-17 as they comfortably defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by seven wickets on Sunday.

When asked about the end of the saliva ban, Siraj expressed his satisfaction, saying, "100 percent." He went on to explain, "If the ball tails a bit, it's a wicket. Without saliva, the ball comes onto the bat much easier. This rule is much better for the bowlers, as LBWs and bowleds are now a real possibility."

The ban on the use of saliva, which was introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic, was lifted just ahead of the 18th edition of the IPL in March 2025.

Saliva helps fast bowlers shine one side of the ball, keeping the other side rough, which assists in generating late swing. The change has brought a renewed sense of excitement to fast bowling in the tournament.

Siraj's performance against Sunrisers Hyderabad was his second match-winning display of the season. Previously, his 3-19 helped Gujarat Titans overcome his former team, Royal Challengers Bangalore. With nine wickets from four matches, Siraj has made a strong comeback after missing out on the India squad for the Champions Trophy.

Punjab Kings pacer Arshdeep Singh also made good use of the return of saliva in his team's season opener. He claimed two key wickets, with skipper Shreyas Iyer noting that the ball was reversing. "Arshdeep came in and said the ball is actually reversing a bit, so the saliva on the ball is helping the bowlers," Iyer commented.

The art of reverse swing was first popularised by former Pakistan fast bowlers Sarfraz Nawaz and Imran Khan, who used it to their advantage on batting-friendly pitches in Asia.

Previously, the IPL had banned the practice following the ICC's precautionary measures during the pandemic. India's pace spearhead, Mohammed Shami, had also appealed for the use of saliva to be allowed in the 50-over format during the team's Champions Trophy victory in Dubai last year.