In the post-match news conference after his team’s narrow four-run loss to the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Match 21 of the 2025 Indian Premier League at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Tuesday, April 8, captain Ajinkya Rahane of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) refrained from discussing the pitch.
“Main kuch bolunga toh bawal ho jayega,” Rahane responded when asked about the pitch’s conditions, meaning that “if I say anything, it’ll be a big controversy.” The famous words of Portuguese football coach Jose Mourinho, “If I speak, I am in big trouble,” instantly came to mind as he made his statement.
Since the start of the season, the Eden Gardens surface has been the subject of controversy due to the lack of support for spinners. The KKR captain and Sujan Mukherjee, the ground curator, were tense over this matter.
“Enough conversations about the wicket have taken place here. Main kuch bolunga to bawaal ho jayega (there would be a lot of controversy if I say anything). I believe our curator is content with the amount of press he has already received. During the post-match press conference, Rahane stated, “I will speak to the IPL and the relevant authorities about the wicket instead of discussing it here.”
The right-handed hitter had been pleased with the pitch conditions a week before their game against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). The remarks made following the LSG match, however, have since raised questions.
“I’m rather pleased with the pitch. During Thursday’s toss against SRH on April 3, Ajinkya Rahane had stated, “It will suit our spinners, at home, you should get what you want.”
LSG’s top order made the most of the batting-friendly surface during the high-scoring match. Mitchell Marsh (81) and Aiden Markram (47), the openers, put together a strong 99-run partnership. Nicholas Pooran took advantage of the momentum and helped Lucknow reach a massive 238/3 by hammering an undefeated 87.
Rahane took the lead for KKR with a cool 61, and the hosts had a chance thanks to Rinku Singh’s brilliant 15-ball 38*. But in the end, they lost by a mere four runs.
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