'This rule makes it much better for bowlers...: GT's Siraj 100 per cent enjoying saliva ban revocation

ANI April 7, 2025 395 views

Mohammed Siraj delivered a career-best bowling performance against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2025 season. His four-wicket haul was instrumental in restricting SRH to 152/8, showcasing his strategic approach to bowling. Siraj enthusiastically endorsed the revocation of the saliva ban, suggesting it makes dismissals easier for bowlers. His impressive statistics this season, including 102 total IPL wickets, highlight his growing prowess as a premier fast bowler.

"100 per cent. If the ball tails a bit, it is a wicket." - Mohammed Siraj
Hyderabad, April 6: Following his career-best spell in the Indian Premier League (IPL) against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Gujarat Titans (GT) pacer Mohammed Siraj said that he is "100 per cent" enjoying the revocation of ban on usage of saliva on cricket ball and it has made leg-before-dismissal and bowled dismissals much more easier for the bowlers.

Key Points

1

Siraj takes four crucial wickets in GT's match against SRH

2

Bowler celebrates revocation of saliva ban on cricket ball

3

Completes 100 IPL wickets milestone

4

Impressive economy rate of 7.75 in 2025 season

Siraj, playing at his home ground in Hyderabad, was at his most damaging as a four-wicket haul from restricted a lacklustre SRH to 152/8 while playing at their home venue on Sunday. He extended his support for revocation of the ban on saliva usage on the ball, made permanent in 2022 due to COVID-19, but now removed for this edition of the IPL.

Speaking after the match, Siraj, who gave away just 17 runs in his four-over spell, said, "I am enjoying. I had a rest, so I was working on my bowling, my fitness and my mentality. My body is fresh, so I am enjoying my bowling. (On if he is enjoying the rule of applying saliva on the ball) 100 per cent. If the ball tails a bit, it is a wicket. When there is no saliva, the ball comes onto the bat easily. This rule makes it much better for the bowlers, with lbw and bowled now a chance (for the bowlers). The wicket is slow. I tried to swing it, but it did not happen. The more you attack the stumps, the better it is. It is a good total, but maybe ten runs more."

Siraj's wicket tally included the dangerous pair of Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma at the top and youngster Aniket Varma, besides Simarjeet Singh. He also completed 100 wickets in the competition.

Now, in 97 matches, Siraj has taken 102 wickets at an average of 28.88 and an economy rate of 8.60, with the best figures registered today.

Siraj has been unplayable in IPL 2025 and it is reflected in his numbers as he has taken nine wickets in four matches at an average of 13.77 and an economy rate of 7.75, with the best figures registered today. He is the joint second-highest in IPL 2025.

Coming to the match, SRH was put to bat first after GT won the toss. The top order of Travis Head (8), Abhishek Sharma (18), and Ishan Kishan (17) was poor once again as the side was reduced to 50/3. A 50-run stand between Nitish Kumar Reddy (31 in 34 balls, with three fours) and Heinrich Klaasen (27 in 19 balls, with two fours and a six) and a cameo by skipper Pat Cummins (22* in nine balls, with three fours and a six) lifted SRH to 152/8 in their 20 overs.

Prasidh Krishna (2/25) and Sai Kishore (2/24) were also impressive with the ball.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Siraj is absolutely on fire this season! 🔥 The saliva rule change seems to be working wonders for bowlers like him. That spell against SRH was pure class - 4 wickets for just 17 runs is insane!
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Priya M.
While I understand bowlers' excitement, I'm not sure if bringing back saliva is the best move long-term. There were good hygiene reasons for banning it. Maybe they could develop an approved alternative that gives similar results without the health concerns?
A
Arjun S.
That lbw stat is interesting! Shows how much difference a little extra swing can make. Siraj has really leveled up his game this season - 100 IPL wickets is no joke 💪
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Sanjana P.
As a GT fan, I'm loving this! Siraj + the new rules = magic. Though I do feel bad for the SRH batters - that top order collapse was brutal to watch 😅
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Vikram J.
The real test will be how this plays out in different conditions. Hyderabad's pitch is known to help bowlers - let's see if the saliva advantage holds up on flatter tracks too.
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Neha R.
So happy to see bowlers getting some love in T20 cricket! The format had become so batter-heavy. This change might bring back that classic bat vs ball balance we've been missing 🙌

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Mohammed Siraj IPL 2025 Gujarat Titans Cricket Bowling Saliva Rule SRH vs GT
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