The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season is set to redefine cricketing dynamics with bold regulatory shifts aimed at balancing bat-and-ball contests. Two headline changes—the return of saliva for ball-shining and an on-demand ball replacement to counter dew—have sparked debates among players, coaches, and fans. As the league adapts to evolving challenges, these adjustments promise to reshape strategies while reigniting traditional cricketing practices.
Time for IPL 2025🏏🔥
🚨 New rules introduced at #IPL2025 🚨
▪️Saliva ban lifted
▪️A second ball (after the 11th over) available for the second innings to counter effect of dew pic.twitter.com/QKJTVeduyO
— Sumit Kapoor (@moneygurusumit) March 20, 20251. Saliva Ban Lifted: A Nostalgic Nod to Reverse Swing
For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, bowlers can legally use saliva to polish the ball, marking a reversal of the 2020 health-mandated prohibition. The decision, ratified unanimously by IPL captains and coaches, aims to restore reverse swing—a weapon sidelined in recent high-scoring seasons.
Why It Matters:
- Bowlers’ Relief: Spinners and pacers alike, including Kolkata Knight Riders’ Varun Chakravarthy, welcome the move as a potential equalizer against dominant batting lineups.
- Health Concerns: Critics question the hygiene implications, though the BCCI asserts that post-pandemic protocols remain intact.
New Zealand’s Kane Williamson encapsulated the skepticism: “Whether saliva noticeably impacts the white ball… we’ll find out soon.”
2. Dew Countermeasures: The “Second Ball” Gambit
Evening matches will now permit bowling captains to request a ball change once after the 10th over of the second innings—a direct response to dew-induced chaos.
Key Mechanics:
- Unconditional Request: Umpires must replace the ball irrespective of visible dew, but the replacement must match the wear of the original.
- Umpire’s Prerogative: Post-10th-over changes are mandatory for the first request, while subsequent appeals hinge on umpires’ judgment.
Mixed Reactions:
- Support: Royal Challengers Bengaluru coach Andy Flower hailed the rule as “about time,” emphasizing fairness in dew-heavy venues like Kolkata and Chennai.
- Risks: A harder replacement ball could inadvertently aid batters, a concern echoed by analysts.
3. DRS Expansion: Tightening the Accuracy Net
The Decision Review System (DRS) in IPL now includes challenges for height-based wides and off-side wides, reducing umpiring errors in critical moments. Leg-side wides, however, remain at the on-field official’s discretion.
4. Impact Player Rule Retained: A Double-Edged Sword
Despite criticism over stifling all-rounders’ roles, the BCCI retained the Impact Player substitution, allowing teams to field 12 players in IPL. This continues to favor tactical flexibility but risks sidelining versatile cricketers.
The Dew Debate: Perspectives from the Dugout
Proactive Measures vs. Unintended Consequences
- Sam Curran’s “Soap” Analogy: The IPL team Punjab Kings star’s 2023 complaint about a slippery ball epitomized the dew struggle, justifying the rule change.
- Varun Chakravarthy’s Optimism: The KKR 2024 IPL winner team spinner believes a drier ball post-10th over will enhance control for tweakers.
- Andy Flower’s Pragmatism: The RCB coach questioned past umpiring hesitancy, asserting that “fair balance” demands proactive adjustments.
The Road Ahead: Innovation vs. Tradition
While the saliva revival harks back to pre-pandemic norms, the ball-change rule reflects IPL’s willingness to innovate. As Flower noted, “baseball-like bat swings” demand countermeasures, but striking the right balance remains precarious. With the season opener testing these changes, all eyes will be on Eden Gardens—where dew and drama are set to collide.
FAQ
Why was the saliva ban lifted?
To revive reverse swing and address bowlers’ struggles in high-scoring games, with franchises unanimously backing the move.
How does the ball-change rule work?
Bowling teams can request a replacement once after the 10th over in evening matches. Umpires select a similarly worn ball.
Will saliva use risk player health?
The BCCI claims COVID-19 protocols remain, but players’ hygiene habits will be closely monitored.
Can teams choose the replacement ball?
No—umpires decide, which could backfire if the new ball is harder.
Why exclude leg-side wides from DRS?
The league aims to minimize stoppages, retaining on-field judgment for subjective calls.
Does the Impact Player rule disadvantage all-rounders?
Critics argue yes, but teams like Chennai Super Kings leverage it for tactical depth.
Are afternoon games exempt from dew rules?
Yes—the ball-change option applies only to evening matches.
