IPL 2025: KKR Captain Rahane Declines to Comment on Eden Gardens Pitch Controversy

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) lost at home to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by 4 runs on Tuesday, April 8. After the game, fans and pundits once again started discussing the surface of the pitch at Eden Gardens and how much it helps the team to get results. KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane, however, chose not to comment on the condition of the pitch when asked by reporters. This is a case where silence is eloquent.

Who Should Influence the Condition of Surface 

In the game against LSG, the teams combined for 472 runs and amassed just 10 wickets. Two weeks earlier, KKR and Sujan Mukherjee, the pitch curator at Eden Gardens, got into a controversy over who should pick the Surface condition. Significantly, in the game against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), the franchise was given the option to choose from two pitches that had not been watered for five days before the game. KKR chose the drier of the two pitches and beat SRH by just 120 runs. 

Speaking to reporters, Rahane chose not to say anything about the state of the pitch surface. The player emphasized that a lot has already been said in recent days, and if he says anything, it might cause a heated controversy. Ajinkya believes that the handler has received a lot of publicity for this situation, and he likes it. The cricketer added that if he wants to say anything on the topic, he will approach the relevant authorities in the IPL.

Next Home Clash 

The defeat to LSG was KKR’s third loss in five matches of the season, and two of those three losses were at Eden Gardens. This leads IPL fans and experts to wonder whether the stadium gives the team a home advantage. 

Knight Riders will next play at their stadium only on April 21. Gujarat Titans (GT) will be the opponents of the reigning champions. It will be interesting to see what will be more talked about after this match, whether it will be about the result and great play of the squads, or about the condition of the pitch surface.