Ajinkya Rahane chose to sidestep a brewing controversy surrounding the pitch at Eden Gardens after Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) lost a high-scoring thriller to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by just 4 runs in their IPL 2025 clash. Despite the intense focus on the playing surface, Ajinkya Rahane refrained from making any direct criticism, hinting instead at how the discussion around the pitch had already received enough attention, including from the media.
Ajinkya Rahane Avoids Pitch Debate, Points to Publicity
The KKR vice-captain was asked post-match about the home advantage and whether the Eden Gardens pitch delivered on that front. “There has been enough talk about the wicket. Mai kuch bolunga toh bawaal ho jayega,” Ajinkya Rahane said with a smile, suggesting that any further remarks might lead to unnecessary controversy. He added, “Our curator has got a lot of publicity. I think he’s happy with that.”
Ajinkya Rahane made it clear that if he had any feedback, he would share it privately with the IPL authorities, not through the press. This statement came after Eden Gardens witnessed a batting slugfest, with both teams scoring a combined 472 runs. LSG posted a formidable 238/3, and KKR fell just short at 234/7, despite a spirited chase.
Pitch Turns Batter-Friendly, Bowlers Struggle
In the lead-up to the match, the pitch was reportedly watered and had more grass compared to the dry surface used previously. This change created expectations of a spin-friendly track, but what followed was a run-feast. There was little to no assistance for spinners, as confirmed by Ajinkya Rahane, whose strategy of bowling first backfired. LSG batters took full advantage of the smaller boundary dimensions, especially Nicholas Pooran and Mitchell Marsh, who played explosive innings.
While KKR’s spinners Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy remained ineffective, LSG’s young spinners Digvesh Singh Rathi and Ravi Bishnoi managed to pick up key wickets and bowled crucial overs at the death. Their composure under pressure stood out, especially on a flat surface.
