Punjab Kings Pacer, Lockie Ferguson, gave a big boost to the lifting of the prohibition of saliva in IPL, affirming that this will bring the quisors back “in the game” by helping them to walk inverted, a crucial factor in the overs of death. Depending on the modified rules of the post-federal era, quisors can now use saliva to make the ball shine, which can help it revers even in benign conditions. The New Zealander has so far taken three counters in IPL with the best of 2/37 against the Royals of Rajasthan in Mullanpur. “From the point of view of a quick launcher, the bowling in death, any help that we can get to move the ball legally and have an impact with it is always very appreciated,” Ferguson told Pti Videos.
“We have high score matches here, which is great … But I suppose that if you can exclude yourself from death with the use of the inverted swing, this is useful,” he added.
The BCCI had raised the ban on the use of saliva on the ball in the IPL last month after a majority of the captains accepted its proposal.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) had prohibited the secular practice of the application of saliva to make the ball shine as a precautionary measure during the Pandemic COVVI-19. In 2022, the World Organization made the prohibition permanent.
The IPL also included the ban on the ICC in its playing conditions in the aftermath of the pandemic, but its directives are outside the competence of the director of sport.
The IPL 2025 has witnessed several tight matches, and fewer total flight, partly due to the slight rebalancing of the scale between the bat and the ball.
“We have so dry counters here in the IPL and in a way dry conditions … I think that (the use of saliva) brings back a little more the quenches in the game, which is great. We want to see a competition between the bats and the ball. I think everyone wants it,” he said.
Ferguson, who has not yet played in the overtime of death this season, praised the PBKS offset options.
“I do not think that it is that I have no chance of death, it is IPL Cricket. This adaptability is a large part of being a modern T20 player … We have so many excellent death options in our team that (Captain) Shreyas (Iyer) must look,” he said.
The Kiwi Pacer has praised a lot of new ball, Arshdeep Singh, calling it “living character” and a rapidly disparaging battle horse.
“I am impressed by Arshdeep, really. He is an exceptional bowler … He absolutely likes the quick bowling. He likes the bowling in death. He likes bowling with a new ball. He’s hungry,” said Ferguson.
Ferguson has recognized the growing leadership of Arshdeep within the group, saying: “He is the first person to present himself and to provide a few words of wisdom, comfort or support. I think he is a big leader in this group.” Ferguson hopes that his team has the potential to go to the end this year. PBKS is on four points with two victories and one defeat.
“I wouldn’t be there if we didn’t think we could win the competition,” he said.
“It’s a long road, but I feel very privileged to be here with a good group … I hope we can go the distance,” he said.
(With the exception of the title, this story has not been published by NDTV staff and is published from a unionized flow.)
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