Delhi Capitals (DC) captain Axar Patel and head coach Hemang Badani on Sunday welcomed the allowances for a change of ball after the 10th over for the team bowling second in the evening matches and the usage of saliva to shine the ball in the ongoing IPL season.
The ball replacement option is to negate the impact of dew. The bowling captain can make this request, regardless of whether there is visible dew.
On request, the umpires will mandatorily replace the ball with another one of similar wear and tear. The bowling team cannot choose the replacement ball. The saliva ban was originally imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Axar said that the changes will help the bowlers to better execute their plans.
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“IPL is all about the batters nowadays. So, if we get something for the bowlers, it’s very nice to see. If there is something for the bowlers, it’s great for the game as well. As for the usage of saliva, they (the pacers) can find that reverse swing at the end.
“In the IPL, the dew factor is there in most of the venues. So, if after 10 overs the fresh ball is there, the bowlers can (better) execute something. So, I think they are good rules for the bowlers. They have something to execute and they might find it easier (to contain runs),” he said here on the eve of his team’s season opener against Lucknow Super Giants.
Badani noted that the new rules provide a fair chance for the bowlers to compete effectively.
“For me, this game has always been about bat and ball. Traditionally, the game was a challenge between bowlers and batters. And that challenge has, in recent times, gotten a bit skewed. It has become a very bat-dominant game.
“With the saliva ban being lifted, I think it just gives something to the bowlers. Even if the ball deviates a wee bit, that’s the difference between it hitting the middle of the bat and the inside part of the bat. That’s the difference between a four or a six and someone getting out.
“I’m all for the change. I think it’s a good change. Even with regards to the change of ball, it again gives a fielding side in the second innings a chance to stay in the game.
“I think Axar and the other players who have played IPL cricket and T20I cricket over the years, recognise the fact that it becomes very difficult to bowl sometimes with a very wet ball. And it becomes even more difficult for the spinners to bowl with a wet ball where they can’t grip the ball.
“So, I think both the rules are in the right direction. And I think it just kind of brings back the balance between bat and ball,” he said.