Introduction
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is set to introduce some major rule changes that could significantly impact the way the game is played. From the lifting of the saliva ban to the introduction of a second ball in the second innings, these updates are designed to level the playing field and enhance the competitive nature of the tournament.
In this blog, we’ll break down the new rules for IPL 2025, how they affect players, teams, and strategies, and what fans can expect from the upcoming season.
1. Ban on Using Saliva Has Been Lifted
What Was the Saliva Ban?
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the International Cricket Council (ICC) banned the use of saliva on cricket balls in 2020. This rule was also implemented in the IPL, forcing bowlers to rely solely on sweat to maintain shine and swing.
Why Is the Saliva Ban Being Lifted?
The ICC has now decided to lift the saliva ban, allowing bowlers to use it once again to maintain ball condition. The decision was taken after medical assessments confirmed that COVID-19 transmission through saliva is no longer a concern.
Impact on the Game
- Swing Bowlers Get an Advantage – The ability to apply saliva will help fast bowlers generate reverse swing in the later stages of the innings.
- Better Ball Maintenance – Sweat alone was not as effective in preserving shine, leading to less movement for pacers.
- More Balance Between Bat and Ball – With high-scoring matches becoming the norm, this change could help bowlers regain some control over the game.
2. Introduction of a Second Ball in the Second Innings
Why a Second Ball?
The biggest challenge for bowlers in T20 cricket—especially in India—is the impact of dew in the second innings. When dew sets in, the ball becomes wet and difficult to grip, reducing spin and swing, making it easier for batters to chase down big totals.
To counter this, the IPL 2025 rules now allow the use of a fresh ball after the completion of the 11th over in the second innings.
How This Rule Changes the Game
- Spinners Will Be More Effective – A fresh ball will help spinners grip better, preventing batters from dominating the middle overs.
- Pacers Can Extract More Bounce and Swing – Fast bowlers often struggle with a wet ball. The introduction of a second ball will allow them to maintain pace, bounce, and seam movement.
- More Competitive Chases – Batting in the second innings might become more challenging, leading to closer, more thrilling matches.
3. How These New IPL 2025 Rules Affect Teams and Strategies
The lifting of the saliva ban and the introduction of a second ball will force IPL franchises to rethink their strategies.
A. Bowling Strategies
- Fast bowlers will now revive old ball skills and work on reverse swing towards the death overs.
- Teams might use more spinners in the second innings since they can now bowl with a fresh ball after the 11th over.
- Death-over specialists will have better control and might see an improvement in their economy rates.
B. Batting Strategies
- Powerplay overs remain unchanged, but middle-overs batting will become tougher due to spinners getting better grip.
- Chasing teams may need to be more aggressive early on to offset the difficulty of batting in the last nine overs.
- Lower-order hitters might struggle if the second ball offers more movement for bowlers.
C. Impact on Team Selection
- Teams may look for bowlers with strong reverse swing abilities, like Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult, and Kagiso Rabada.
- Spinners with good flight and turn, like Rashid Khan and Yuzvendra Chahal, could become even more valuable.
- All-rounders who can bowl in the middle overs, like Ravindra Jadeja and Hardik Pandya, will be crucial.
4. Fans’ Perspective: More Competitive and Exciting Matches
The IPL has often been criticized for being too batter-friendly, leading to high-scoring matches where bowlers have little say. These rule changes could bring better balance and more thrilling finishes.
What Fans Can Expect:
✔ More close encounters – A second ball in the second innings could make chases more unpredictable.
✔ More wickets in middle overs – With spinners getting an advantage, collapses in the second innings may become more common.
✔ Tactical depth – Captains will have to be smarter about when to introduce pacers and spinners.
5. How IPL 2025 Could Shape the Future of T20 Cricket
The new rules in IPL 2025 could set a precedent for other T20 leagues and even international cricket. If successful, the ICC might consider implementing similar rules in World Cups and bilateral series.
Possible Future Changes in T20 Cricket:
- Dual-ball system in ODIs and other T20 leagues
- Revisiting other banned practices like ball-tampering in controlled ways
- Tweaks to DRS and umpiring rules for better decision-making
6. Reactions from Players and Experts
A. Fast Bowlers Welcome the Saliva Rule Change
Many pacers have praised the decision to bring back saliva, stating that it allows for better swing and reverse swing.
🏏 Jasprit Bumrah: “Swing bowling is an art, and saliva has always been an important factor. It’s great to see this rule back!”
🏏 Pat Cummins: “Reverse swing is back in play, which makes the game more competitive.”
B. Spinners Excited About Second Ball Rule
Spinners have been particularly vocal about how the second ball will help negate the impact of dew.
🏏 Ravichandran Ashwin: “For years, spinners have struggled in the IPL due to dew. A second ball makes it a fair contest!”
🏏 Rashid Khan: “The new rule means we can now bowl our variations with confidence in the second innings.”
C. Batters Have Mixed Reactions
While some batters believe the new rules make for a better contest, others think it could make chasing more difficult.
🏏 Virat Kohli: “It’s good for cricket. Batters have had it easy for a while, so bringing balance is great!”
🏏 David Warner: “I love hitting in the second innings, but this rule will surely make things more challenging.”
Conclusion: Will IPL 2025 Be More Exciting?
The new rules for IPL 2025 will undoubtedly change the dynamics of the tournament. With the return of saliva for bowlers and a second ball to counter dew, the matches are expected to be more competitive and thrilling.
✔ Bowlers get a fair chance to dominate
✔ Spinners regain their impact in second innings
✔ Batting becomes more tactical
This could lead to a new era of IPL cricket, where strategy and skill take center stage over just power-hitting.
Are you excited for IPL 2025? Which rule change do you think will have the biggest impact? Drop your thoughts in the comments below! 🏏🔥
Read More: RCB Unveils Green Jersey for IPL 2025: A Tribute to Sustainability and Legacy
FAQs
How will lifting the saliva ban impact fast bowlers?
The lifting of the saliva ban allows fast bowlers to maintain ball shine more effectively, leading to better swing and reverse swing. This gives pacers an advantage, especially in the death overs, where reverse swing can help contain big hitters.
Why is a second ball being introduced after the 11th over in the second innings?
The second ball is being introduced to counter the effects of dew, which makes the ball slippery and difficult for bowlers to grip. This rule helps spinners get more turn and pacers maintain control, ensuring that the second innings is not overwhelmingly batter-friendly.
