‘New saliva rule makes it much better for the bowlers’

Mohammed Siraj had an evening to remember against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, breaking their back with figures of 4/17, which were his best-ever figures in an Indian Premier League game. Siraj’s bowling efforts in the first innings for the Gujarat Titans ensured that the Hyderabad franchise was restricted to 152/8. The Titans then claimed victory seven wickets, chasing down the target with 20 balls remaining.
Siraj credited the new IPL rule which allows the fielding side to apply saliva on the ball once again for his bowling exploits. The ban on applying saliva on the ball was enforced in the sport back during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Asked in the mid-game interval the host broadcaster if he was enjoying the rule of applying saliva on the ball, Siraj said: “100%. 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 was slow (today). 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 (were needed).”
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Player of the match Siraj also spoke about how he had started to enjoy his bowling more these days. He came into the IPL 2025 season with two disappointments: he was let go his long-time employers in the IPL, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, before the auction and was also dropped from the Indian national team which played — and won — the Champions Trophy earlier this year.
But Siraj said he used the break to rejuvenate his bowling.
“I am really enjoying bowling these days. I had a rest (before IPL), so was working on my bowling, my fitness and my mentality. The body is fresh, so I am really enjoying my bowling,” Siraj said.
After winning the match for Gujarat, Siraj elaborated further on the “break”. Story continues below this ad
“At the start (of the break), I could not digest it. But then I was explaining to myself that I have so many things planned. It (selection for Champions Trophy) was not to be, but I concentrated on my mindset, my fitness. Enjoying my bowling now. When you are not selected (for the Indian team), it does cross your mind (if you are good enough), but I wanted to be ready for the IPL,” Siraj said.
He added: “When you come to your home ground, it is a different feeling. Family was also watching, and that also gives you confidence. The work I have done, in my bowling, fielding and mindset is helping me. When you are executing exactly what you want to do, that is when you are on top. When the ball is lening to you and doing exactly what you want, that gives a different feeling and it feels really enjoyable.”