IPL 2025: Ajinkya Rahane’s request to change the KKR pitch is denied by the curator of Eden Gardens

Ajinkya Rahane, the captain of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), is being criticized for asking the Eden Gardens pitch to favor spinners.

The 36-year-old veteran’s request to change the surface for the team’s advantage in the tournament’s next games was turned down by Sujan Mukherjee, the legendary venue’s pitch curator.

After losing to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in their inaugural match, KKR had a dismal start to their championship defense. In the interview after the game, Rahane said he had hoped the surface would help spinners more. Sujan Mukherjee, the curator of Eden Gardens, took issue with his statement, claiming that franchises have no control over pitch conditions and criticizing KKR’s spinners for their lack of impact. While KKR’s spin attack found it difficult to take wickets, the Men in Red easily chased down the 170+ score.

“The Eden Gardens pitch won’t alter while I’m here because franchises have no control over it according to IPL rules and regulations. The pitches here have been like this ever since I took over, and they used to be like this. According to Mukherjee, “things haven’t changed now, and they won’t be altered in the future,” RevSportz reported.

What did the KKR spinners do when their (RCB) spinners combined for four wickets? Pandya Krunal took three wickets. Mukherjee continued, “Suyash Sharma turned the ball to castle Andre Russell.”

In Guwahati, Kolkata will play Rajasthan.

The Rajasthan Royals (RR) will be the opponent of KKR in their upcoming IPL 2025 game at Guwahati’s Barsapara Cricket Stadium. Both clubs will be keen to get their first victory after suffering crushing losses in their season openers. Given that both teams have won 14 of their 30 meetings with one another, this matchup intensifies their long-standing rivalry.