Ahead of the IPL 2025, the BCCI introduced a set of new rules. One game-changing rule was the removal of the ban on the use of saliva on balls, which was imposed during the COVID-era in IPL 2020. This was after two of India's prominent pacers, Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj, had publicly criticized this ban, saying that it reduces the chances of reverse swing and movement late into the game, thereby causing disadvantage to the bowlers. After Delhi Capitals' Super Over win against Rajasthan Royals, their hero with the ball, Mitchell Starc, has now taken a dig at both Siraj and Shami regarding their take on the use of saliva.

In an interaction after the match, Mitchell Starc revealed that he does not use saliva on the ball. In fact, he believes that sweat or saliva does not help the bowlers to move the ball in any way. Even though it can make a difference on the red ball, the use of saliva does not make any difference on the white 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,” the Australian pacer said.

After being put in to bat first, Delhi Capitals put on 188 on the board for the loss of 5 wickets. While Abhishek Porel gave them a good start with a 49-run knock, Axar Patel and Tristan Stubbs provided some late momentum, with both playing quick-fire knocks of 34.

Riding on half-centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Nitish Rana, Rajasthan Royals also scored 188 as the match went into the Super Over. The Royals could only manage 11 runs, as Tristan Stubbs and KL Rahul scored 12 runs in just 4 balls of their Super Over to seal a win for DC.

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