IPL 2025: Eden Gardens curator rejects Ajinkya Rahane's request to alter pitch for KKR

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) skipper Ajinkya Rahane is under scrutiny for requesting the Eden Gardens pitch to favour spinners. However, the iconic venue's pitch curator, Sujan Mukherjee, denied the 36-year-old veteran’s request to alter the surface for the team’s benefit in the upcoming matches of the tournament.

KKR began their title defence on a disappointing note, losing their opening game to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Rahane stated in the post-match interview that he had hoped the surface would provide more assistance to spinners. However, his remark was met with criticism from Eden Gardens curator Sujan Mukherjee, who not only asserted that franchises have no say in pitch conditions but also criticised KKR's spinners for failing to make an impact. The Men in Red chased down the 170+ total with ease, while KKR's spin attack struggled to take wickets.

“As long as I’m here, Eden Gardens pitch will not change, as per the IPL rules and regulations, franchises have no say over the pitch. Ever since I have taken charge, the pitches here have been like this, it was like this in the past. Things haven’t changed now, and it will not be altered in the future,” Mukherjee was quoted as saying by RevSportz.

“Their (RCB) spinners took four wickets between them, what did the KKR spinners do? Krunal Pandya got three wickets. Suyash Sharma turned the ball to castle Andre Russell,” Mukherjee added.

Also Read: IPL 2025: RR vs KKR Match 6 - Who will be Impact Players for today's IPL match?

Kolkata will face Rajasthan in Guwahati

Looking ahead to KKR’s next IPL 2025 match, they will face the Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. Both teams suffered heavy defeats in their opening games of the season and will be eager to secure their first win. This fixture adds to a long-standing rivalry, as both sides have won 14 games each in the 30 matches they have played against each other.