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IPL 2025’s Biggest Tactical Dilemma: Reverse Swing or Dry Ball in Death Overs?
New IPL Rules Challenge Captains in Death Overs
The IPL 2025 season has introduced two major rule changes to support bowlers, but they have also created a strategic dilemma for captains, particularly in the death overs.
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Saliva Use Returns: Bowlers can now use saliva to shine the ball, reviving reverse swing as a key weapon.
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Mid-Innings Ball Change: The fielding team can replace the ball with another of “similar wear and tear” after the 10th over of the second innings of night matches, even if there’s no visible dew.
This means teams now face a crucial decision:
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Stick with the old ball, which has been prepared for reverse swing?
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Or opt for a newer, drier ball, which could help spinners in the final overs?
This tactical conundrum came into play during Match #5 of IPL 2025 between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Gujarat Titans (GT).
Punjab Kings vs. Gujarat Titans
Shreyas Iyer’s Call: Prioritizing Reverse Swing
In a high-pressure run chase, PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer chose not to change the ball, allowing Arshdeep Singh to continue using reverse swing. The decision paid off, as Arshdeep dismissed Sai Sudharsan using wide yorkers, shifting momentum in PBKS’s favor.
Shreyas Iyer on the decision:
“Arshdeep told us the ball was reversing, and the saliva was helping. That’s when we decided to start the wide yorkers earlier instead of waiting too long.”
PBKS bowling coach James Hopes further explained the trade-off:
“Arshdeep was able to generate some reverse swing, which helped in the final overs. But by keeping the old ball, we lost the chance to give Yuzvendra Chahal a dry ball, which could have helped him turn the game in our favor.”
How It Impacted Yuzvendra Chahal
PBKS had invested ₹18 crore in Chahal during the IPL 2025 mega auction, making him the most expensive specialist spinner in IPL history. Yet, in this match, he couldn’t even complete his full quota of overs due to the conditions.
PBKS had struggled with their spin attack in previous seasons, so acquiring Chahal was a strategic move. However, for him to succeed, the right ball conditions are crucial.
Alternative Approach: RCB’s Decision to Change the Ball
Giving the Spinner a Dry Ball in Death Overs
In contrast, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) took a different approach in their match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
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RCB changed the ball before the 20th over and handed it to Krunal Pandya.
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Although the game was already decided, this move demonstrated how teams can use the rule strategically.
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On certain pitches, where the ball grips more, a harder, drier ball could make a huge difference for spinners.
As teams adapt to these new rules, expect more sides to strategically switch balls in the death overs.
Balancing Death-Over Tactics: The Key to Success
James Hopes acknowledged that teams must now make game-by-game decisions:
“We have to decide whether we rely on a bit of reverse swing or give our world-class spinner a dry ball to impact the last 10 overs.”
This is especially important when facing power-hitters like Nicholas Pooran, who has dominated IPL over the past two seasons.
Hopes on Pooran:
“With players like Pooran, teams have started bowling yorkers from the very first ball instead of waiting until the 15th over.”
How Captains Will Adapt in IPL 2025
With changing dew patterns across venues, teams must carefully weigh their options in every match.
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Will they retain the old ball to maximize reverse swing?
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Or will they switch to a dry ball to help their spinners control the final overs?
As IPL 2025 progresses, this captaincy decision could be as crucial as bowling changes and batting orders.
