Royal Challengers Bengaluru pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar made an honest admission over the usage of saliva ahead of the contest against PBKS. Bowlers have been provided an advantage in IPL 2025, with the ban on usage of saliva being lifted. And who better than the “Swing King” to put it into good use.
Bhuvi forgot about ban on saliva being lifted
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Bhuvneshwar revealed that he had forgotten that saliva could be used. He remarked that while he was unsure if it would help, he would surely try it out against PBKS.
“I forgot that I can use saliva. Yesterday when the (team) staff told me, I didn’t know that I have to use it,” he said. “I am not sure if it will help or not, but now that I remember, definitely in tomorrow’s match, I will put some saliva and see if it helps or not,” Bhuvneshwar said.
For the uninformed, in 2022 the International Cricket Council (ICC) decided to restrict the use of saliva on the ball during the Covid-19 pandemic. The fear of the virus spreading caused the ICC to enforce the rule. However, three years later, it still exists.
However, there are contrasting takes to the usage of saliva, especially in the IPL. DC pacer Starc claimed that the usage didn’t impact much in white-ball cricket compared to red-ball. On the other hand, bowlers like Shami, Siraj and Varun Chakravarthy have openly supported the lifting of the ban. The GT pacer even credited the usage of saliva for one of his successful spells in the ongoing season.
RCB will next on PBKS in what will be their third match at their home ground – the M Chinnaswamy stadium. Patidar and co. are yet to win a match at home this season.
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