The former India pacer made a rather outrageous claim on the art of reverse swing, with special context to former Pakistan pacers.
In cricket, the technique of reverse swing has proven to be a formidable weapon wielded by fast bowlers in dislodging batters throughout the sport's history. Historically, Pakistan pacers mastered the art of reverse swing, with notable figures like Imran Khan, Wasim Akram, and Waqar Younis being revered as some of its finest practitioners. The latter two, in particular, distinguished themselves with their adeptness in reverse swing and their ability to transform it into effective toe-crushing deliveries.
A new ball naturally swings on either side due to its shine. However, as the ball ages, losing its shine, its swinging ability diminishes. To address this, players employ a tactic where one side of the ball is kept shiny while intentionally making the other side rough or worn out. Reverse swing, therefore, involves the bowler inducing a swinging motion to an old ball directed toward the shiny side. This is distinct from the conventional swing observed with a new ball, transforming, for instance, an outswinger into an inswinger and vice versa.
The art has faded, particularly in the white-ball formats, due to the introduction of two new balls from either end. However, former Indian pace bowler Praveen Kumar recently made a rather audacious claim regarding reverse swing, specifically in the context of former Pakistani bowlers. While refraining from naming any particular bowler, Praveen asserted that ball tampering was a common practice employed to induce reverse swing, and this knowledge was widespread within cricketing circles.
Source : The Hindustan Times