Delhi Capitals (DC) pacer Mitchell Starc has made a bold statement regarding the use of saliva after the victory over Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the IPL 2025 match. The left-arm pacer silenced saliva supporters like Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj, calling the practice of generating reverse swing a myth.
Mitchell Starc played a crucial role in DC’s thrilling win in Delhi on Wednesday, April 16. He finished with figures of 1 for 36 in his four-over spell in the main game. Starc was also given the Super Over, where he restricted the Rajasthan Royals to 11 runs. KL Rahul and Tristan Stubbs chased down the target.
The BCCI has lifted the ban on using saliva to shine the ball in IPL 2025. Notably, the board reversed a rule introduced by the ICC during the COVID-19 pandemic. The change reportedly came after receiving backing from most franchise captains, as well as growing concerns among fast bowlers.
Mohammed Shami had said that the ban made reverse swing more difficult and tilted the game in favor of batters. Shami pushed for saliva to be allowed again, especially after India’s Champions Trophy semifinal win over Australia. He said that saliva would restore balance between bat and ball.
Mohammed Siraj backed Shami’s stance on the return of saliva use in IPL 2025. He welcomed the rule reversal, adding that saliva helps aid reverse swing.
Some People Think They Swear by It - Mitchell Starc
Mitchell Starc shared a contrasting opinion to Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj on the use of saliva for reverse swing. Speaking after his match-winning performance, Starc revealed that he doesn’t use saliva and questioned its impact, especially in limited-overs cricket.
“I don't use it. I think it's a myth. Some people think they swear by it. I don't know what the difference is with sweat and saliva. I don't reckon it makes a difference. It can make a difference on the red ball. I don't reckon it makes a difference on the white ball,” Starc said.
Mitchell Starc Named Player of the Match for Heroic Bowling Performance
Mitchell Starc delivered under pressure as the Rajasthan Royals needed just nine runs in the final over. The pacer delivered yorkers and gave away only eight runs, leading into the Super Over. Notably, it was the first time since 2021 when DC had also emerged victorious against SunRisers Hyderabad.
Earlier, both teams had ended their innings on the same totals. Delhi Capitals scored 188/5 and Rajasthan Royals responded with 188/4. In the Super Over, Rajasthan managed 11 runs despite two boundaries and two run-outs. DC chased it down in just four balls, thanks to KL Rahul and Tristan Stubbs.
Starc won the Player of the Match award after his impressive bowling performance, including 1/36 in the match and the Super Over. Delhi Capitals recorded their fifth victory in six games and moved to the top of the points table. They will next take on the Gujarat Titans (GT) in Ahmedabad on Saturday, April 19.
Also read: Rohit Sharma to be dropped from India Test squad; Captaincy Replacement picked
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