Bhuvneshwar Kumar makes honest admission, says 'I forgot that I can use saliva'

NEW DELHI: The Indian Premier League (IPL) has witnessed a significant development this season with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) lifting the ban on using saliva as a ball-polishing agent.

This decision was made after several captains expressed their support for the move, as it was previously prohibited during the COVID-19 pandemic as a precautionary measure.

The reintroduction of saliva as a ball-polishing agent has reignited discussions around the art of reverse swing, a skill that has been largely forgotten in recent times.

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However, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, the fast bowler for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), has offered a different perspective on the matter.

In a candid admission, Bhuvneshwar revealed that he had forgotten about the revised rules allowing the use of saliva until the team staff reminded him.

"I forgot that I can use saliva. Yesterday when the (team) staff told me, I didn't know that I have to use it," he said. "I am not sure if it will help or not, but now that I remember, definitely in tomorrow's match (vs PBKS), I will put some saliva and see if it helps or not."



While Bhuvneshwar remains uncertain about the potential benefits of using saliva, he acknowledged the importance of exploring its impact on the ball's behaviour.

On the other hand, some of Bhuvneshwar's contemporaries have eagerly embraced the opportunity to revive the art of reverse swing. Mitchell Starc, the fast bowler for Delhi Capitals, showcased a glimpse of reverse swing during their match against Rajasthan Royals on Wednesday.

His remarkable accuracy and the touch of reverse swing played a crucial role in Delhi Capitals' victory in the Super Over.



Nitish Rana, a Rajasthan Royals player, acknowledged Starc's exceptional skill, stating that executing 11 yorkers out of 12 balls at a pace of 145 kmph while generating reverse swing deserves immense credit.

"Reverse swing had completely gone away from cricket, whether it was red ball or white ball. Suddenly, if someone can execute 11 yorkers in 12 balls at a 145 (kmph) pace, then you have to give Starc the credit," Nitish added.

Delhi's captain, Axar Patel, also praised Starc's ability to execute his plans under pressure, saying, "Getting reverse swing is one thing, but executing it is very important. It was reversing, but at that time, under pressure, he (Starc) was executing it. I was just reminding him to be clear about the plans we made in the bowlers meeting. I was getting the same response: 'Don't worry, skip. I'll do it.'"


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