DC's Axar Patel supports new IPL rules for bowlers

Delhi Capitals (DC) captain Axar Patel and head coach Hemang Badani support new rules in the IPL 2025 season that will help bowlers. They believe these changes will allow bowlers to perform better against batters. Axar Patel expressed that the option to change the ball after the 10th over will improve bowlers' ability to handle dew conditions during evening matches. The new rule allows the bowling captain to request a ball change, regardless of visible dew. The umpires will replace the ball with one that is similarly worn, but the bowling team cannot pick the replacement. The use of saliva to shine the ball has been reintroduced, after being banned during the COVID-19 pandemic. Axar noted that this could help fast bowlers achieve reverse swing late in the game. He indicated that these rules can help bowlers execute their strategies more effectively. Coach Hemang Badani added that the new regulations give bowlers a fair chance to compete in a game that has become heavily focused on batting. He believes that allowing bowlers to have better control can make a significant difference in the outcome of plays. Both men agree that these changes bring more balance to the game between batters and bowlers.