 "Shreyas Iyer supports reversal of saliva ban in IPL 2025, reveals how it is helping bowlers after PBKS beat GT")
Punjab Kings (PBKS) defeated Gujarat Titans (GT) by 11 runs in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 opener in Ahmedabad on Tuesday. After the game, Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer came out in support of the reversal of the saliva ban in IPL 2025, revealing how it has played a crucial role in assisting bowlers.
During the post-match presentation, Iyer highlighted how left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh noticed reverse swing due to the use of saliva on the ball in the second innings, which proved to be a game-changer in the death overs. Arshdeep picked up two wickets in the last over of the game to restrict GT to 232/5 in their chase of a 244-run target.
Shreyas Iyer on saliva helping bowlers in IPL 2025
“Arshdeep played an important role in that. He came in and said the ball is actually reversing a bit, so the saliva on the ball is helping the bowlers. He got Sai (Sai Kishore), and it helped us,” Iyer stated when asked about their wide-worker plan.
The saliva ban was initially imposed by the ICC in 2020 due to COVID-19 and was made permanent in 2022. However, the BCCI decided to lift the ban in IPL ahead of 2025 season, allowing bowlers to use the traditional method of maintaining the ball for reverse swing. Iyer’s remarks suggest that the change is already having an impact in the tournament.
Iyer on his match-winning knock
Apart from his insights on the saliva rule, Iyer reflected on his stunning unbeaten 97, which earned him the Player of the Match award.
“Getting 97 not out in the first match and that too in the opening game of the season for us is the icing on the cake. I got a four off the first ball I faced, and it got me going. That flick six off Rabada as well. I felt really good out there,” Iyer said.
He also lauded the contribution of Shashank Singh, who played a blistering 44-run knock off just 16 balls to push PBKS past the 240-run mark.
“Shashank’s 44 off 16-17 balls was pretty crucial for the team. We set a benchmark that we had to go for it. With the dew coming in, things could change, and thankfully, he performed. He is a funny character. He has got traits in him where he comes in with the right attitude. He kept his calm and composure,” Iyer added.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsPunjab Kings edge Gujarat Titans in high-scoring thriller
PBKS started their IPL 2025 campaign with a commanding performance, posting a mammoth 243/5 in 20 overs. Skipper Shreyas Iyer led from the front with an unbeaten 97, while Priyansh Arya (47 off 23) and Shashank Singh (44 off 16) played crucial cameos. Sai Kishore was picked of bowlers in the first innings as he picked up three wickets for 30 runs in 4 overs. Rashid Khan also took a wicket, dismissing Arya.
Gujarat Titans, led by Shubman Gill, put up a strong fight but fell short in their chase. GT got off to a flying start in their chase, with Gill and Sai Sudharsan stitching together a rapid 61-run stand in just under six overs. However, their momentum took a hit when Gill got dismissed for 33 off 14 balls. From there on, the home side failed to recover despite some fight back from Jos Buttler and Sherfane Rutherford.
 "Russian drones over Poland: Trump’s tepid reaction a wake-up call for Nato?")
 "As Russia pushes east, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend its heartland")
 "Why Mossad was not on board with Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar")
 "Turkey: Erdogan's police arrest opposition mayor Hasan Mutlu, dozens officials in corruption probe")
 "Russian drones over Poland: Trump’s tepid reaction a wake-up call for Nato?")
 "As Russia pushes east, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend its heartland")
 "Why Mossad was not on board with Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar")
 "Turkey: Erdogan's police arrest opposition mayor Hasan Mutlu, dozens officials in corruption probe")
