Munaf Patel, a former fast bowler for India, has voiced concerns about the future of fast bowling in Indian cricket, stating that the art of reverse swing is at risk of being forgotten due to the ongoing saliva ban implemented during the Covid-19 pandemic. He believes that the decision-makers in cricket are out of touch, as they lack the experience of cricketers who understand the importance of saliva in achieving reverse swing. Patel emphasizes that while sweat cannot replace saliva, alternatives like chewing gum can help thicken it. He also points out a larger issue: the diminishing interest in fast bowling, as the Indian Premier League (IPL) has shifted focus toward white ball cricket, leading to a decline in red ball formats at the domestic level. The pitches are becoming more batter-friendly, and the National Cricket Academy (NCA) has failed to provide adequate coaching, turning into a mere fitness center. Patel warns that in the next five to six years, fast bowlers capable of bowling over 140 kph may become scarce. To combat this decline, he advocates for better financial support for domestic players, improved infrastructure, mandatory red ball cricket, and the reinstatement of the saliva rule to preserve the culture of fast bowling.