‘If I say anything, it will become a controversy’- KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane on Eden Gardens pitch

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) skipper, Ajinkya Rahane, avoided talking about the pitch during the post-match press conference following his team’s narrow four-run defeat against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Match 21 of IPL 2025 at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Tuesday, April 8.

When asked about the pitch conditions, Rahane answered, ‘Main kuch bolunga toh bawal ho jayega,’ (If I say anything, it’ll be a big controversy). His statement immediately drew parallels with the iconic quote from Portuguese football coach Jose Mourinho, ‘If I speak, I am in big trouble.’

The controversy around the Eden Gardens surface has been there since the beginning of the season, with concerns raised over the lack of support for spinners. This issue created tension between the KKR skipper and the ground curator, Sujan Mukherjee.

“There have been enough talks over the wicket here. Main kuch bolunga to bawaal ho jayega (If I say anything, it’ll be a big controversy). Our curator has already gotten a lot of publicity and I think he is happy with that publicity. I’ll not say anything around the wicket here and will say it to the IPL and the concerned authorities,” said Rahane in the post-match press conference.

A week prior in their match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), the right-handed batter had expressed satisfaction with the pitch conditions. However, the comments made after the LSG match have now cast a doubt.

“I’m really happy with the pitch. It will suit our spinners, at home, you should get what you want,” Ajinkya Rahane had said during the toss against SRH on Thursday, April 3.

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.