“I don’t reckon it makes a difference” - Mitchell Starc opens up on saliva usage in IPL 2025

Delhi Capitals speedster Mitchell Starc has opened up on the usage of saliva in the ongoing IPL 2025 season. Notably, Starc won the player of the match award after the Capitals bagged a thrilling Super Over victory over the Rajasthan Royals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Wednesday, April 16.

Interestingly, Starc stated that the saliva usage is a myth and added that it doesn’t make a difference on the white ball. However, it may make a difference if the bowler uses the saliva on the red ball.

“I don't use it. I think it's a myth. Some people think they swear by it. I don't know what the difference is with sweat and saliva. I don't reckon it makes a difference. It can make a difference on the red ball. I don't reckon it makes a difference on the white ball,” Starc told the broadcasters.

It’s important to note that saliva was banned across all game formats following the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was quick to lift the ban for the IPL 2025 season.

Speaking about the match details, Delhi Capitals batted first, scoring 188/5 in 20 overs. Abishek Porel was the top scorer with 49 runs off 37 balls with five fours and a six. Jofra Archer scalped two important wickets.

In the chase, RR also levelled the scores by scoring 188/4 in 20 overs. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Nitish Rana were the star batters, scoring 51 runs apiece. Mitchell Starc was exceptional in the death overs, defending the required runs in the final over.

In the Super Over, Rajasthan Royals batted first, scoring 11 runs after losing two wickets in five balls. Later, Delhi Capitals batters KL Rahul and Tristan Stubbs finished off the game in four balls without losing a wicket.

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at BetBarter and download the BetBarter app to start betting today!