Bhuvneshwar Kumar Admits He Forgot Saliva Ban Was Lifted for IPL 2025
Royal Challengers Bengaluru pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar made a candid admission ahead of the IPL 2025 clash against Punjab Kings, revealing he had forgotten that the ban on using saliva to shine the ball had been lifted this season. The BCCI’s decision to allow saliva use again, after it was banned during the COVID-19 pandemic, has reignited debate about its impact on swing bowling and match dynamics.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Bhuvneshwar said, “I forgot that I can use saliva. Yesterday when the staff told me, I didn’t know that I have to use it. 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”. The seasoned swing bowler’s honest admission highlights how quickly players adapted to the pandemic-era restrictions—and how the reversal of the rule is still sinking in for some.
The return of saliva as a ball-polishing agent has been welcomed by many bowlers, who believe it could revive the art of reverse swing, especially in T20 cricket. However, opinions remain divided, with some pacers like Mitchell Starc suggesting its effect is limited in white-ball formats, while others, including Mohammed Shami and Varun Chakravarthy, have openly supported the move.
RCB, still searching for their first home win this season, will be hoping Bhuvneshwar’s “saliva experiment” brings them better luck against PBKS.