Kolkata, Mar 21 (UNI) Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) spinner Varun Chakravarthy believes that the new Indian Premier League (IPL) rule changes, particularly regarding ball changes due to dew, could benefit spinners in the upcoming season.
Among the most prominent rule changes is the lifting of the saliva ban. For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, bowlers will be allowed to use it to shine the ball. The BCCI lifted the ban after receiving a majority consensus from IPL captains in a landmark decision taken at the captains' meeting in Mumbai. The International Cricket Council had made the saliva ban permanent in 2022, but the IPL operates under its own regulations, and the latest move could set a precedent for the global game.
The 18th season will also witness tactical innovations, including a major change to counter dew's impact. The second innings of evening matches will see a fresh ball introduced from the 11th over, provided the on-field umpires deem the dew factor significant, as the trend of high-scoring games is likely to continue. However, this rule will not apply to afternoon games.