Flower, Chakaravarthy back ball-change for dew; downplay saliva use

 

Both Andy Flower and Varun Chakaravarthy see merit in changing the wet ball in the second innings of a dew-affected match.

As per the new playing conditions for IPL 2025, earlier reported by Cricbuzz, the team bowling second can now request a ball change to counter dew. The bowling captain can make this request after the 10th over regardless of "visible dew" and the umpires will "mandatorily replace the ball with one of similar wear and tear". The fielding side cannot choose the replacement.