Bhuvneshwar Kumar gives bizarre reason for not using saliva on ball during IPL games

Bhuvneshwar Kumar humorously confessed forgetting that the IPL saliva ban has been lifted, and intends to use it in RCB's match against PBKS.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar gives bizarre reason for not using saliva on ball during IPL games

RCB's Bhuvneshwar Kumar admitted to having forgotten that the ban on the usage of saliva has been lifted. (via Times of India)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru pacer and veteran Indian bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar surprisingly admitted to have forgotten about the saliva ban being lifted in the IPL this season. The pacer, meanwhile, added that he would use his saliva on the ball for RCB’s next game against Punjab Kings. 

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) lifted the ban on using saliva to shine the ball during matches ahead of the 2025 IPL season. The practice of using saliva was prevalent prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the pandemic resulted in it being discontinued by the ICC, owing to several health restrictions. It was temporarily banned in May 2020, followed by a permanent ban in September 2022.

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With the COVID-19 pandemic having subsided, there have been calls for the practice to be re-introduced. Indian speedster Mohammed Shami is among the bowlers, who have supported the usage of saliva as a polishing agent, as it helps them use reverse swing against the hard-hitting batters. While ICC is yet to budge on its decision, BCCI has removed the restrictions in domestic cricket as well as the IPL. 

Bowlers and IPL captains, as a result of the BCCI’s decision, have used saliva on many instances to revive the art of reverse wing. Delhi Capitals pacer Mitchell Starc was also seen using saliva on the ball during the team’s match against Rajasthan Royals. The Australian, thereafter, managed to defend nine runs in the final over to push the match to a Super Over, with the help of reverse swing deliveries.

However, RCB star Bhuvneshwar Kumar offered a different perspective on the usage of saliva. Kumar initially admitted to having forgotten that the ban had been lifted, and that he was only informed about it by an RCB staff member. Despite agreeing to use the trick in RCB’s upcoming match against PBKS, the 34-year-old questioned its efficiency. He noted that he is unsure whether the trick would work out or not. 

I forgot that I can use saliva. Yesterday when the staff told me, I didn’t know that I have to use it. I am not sure if it will help or not, but now that I remember, definitely in tomorrow’s match I will put some saliva…

Bhuvneshwar Kumar on the usage of saliva (H/T Indian Express)

Moreover, Kumar also spoke about his partnership with RCB teammate and fast bowler Josh Hazlewood in the ongoing IPL season. The former Sunrisers Hyderabad star commented that their roles in the team cannot be defined. He also claimed that his and Hazlewood’s roles often keep changing from one match to another, depending on how the team bats as well as how the opening overs of the match go about.

Both Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood have been in good touch this season, as they hope to guide RCB to its maiden IPL title. The Challengers are currently in the third position on the 2025 IPL table, having won four out of their opening six encounters.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar lauds ‘calm’ RCB captain Rajat Patidar, ahead of clash against PBKS

Veteran Indian pacer and RCB star Bhuvneshwar Kumar lauded Rajat Patidar for having maintained his calm while captaining a leading IPL franchise like the Royal Challengers. Patidar was named the new RCB captain ahead of the start of the 2025 season, after the team let go of Faf du Plessis.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar on Rajat Patidar
Bhuvneshwar Kumar lauded RCB skipper Rajat Patidar for remaining calm. (via India Today)

Patidar has since then led the team to four wins in six matches, drawing praise for his leadership abilities. Among admirers, teammate Bhuvneshwar Kumar spoke about the 31-year-old’s captaincy stint, noting that his calm nature. Kumar added that Patidar has not panicked, despite the RCB having lost both their home games this season, and praised him for handling the difficult responsibility well.

He’s been very good. The best thing is that he’s been calm. That’s what he needed, especially in this format… He’s been handling everything very well, with the bowling changes and everything.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar on Rajat Patidar (H/T Crictracker)

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who has the experience of captaining an IPL side himself, also talked about RCB’s preparations for its upcoming match against PBKS. The Bengaluru-based franchise will be looking to claim their first home win of the season.