The use of saliva to shine the ball is a "difficult habit" to get over but India's bowling coach Bharat Arun says he won't mind an "external substance" at its expense if the same is used across teams. In the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, the Anil Kumble-led ICC Cricket Committee has decided to ban the use of saliva as a part of health safety protocol.

A lot of premier players and coaches now feel that the use of external substances should be allowed to shine the ball in order to maintain a balance between the bat and ball. "As far as use of external substance is concerned, as long as it is same and uniform for all the teams, why not try it," Arun said.