'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.

Also read: KKR vs LSG, Match 21 – Full highlights, top moments & winner details

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,” Rahane had said during the toss against SRH on Thursday, April 3.

In the high-scoring encounter, LSG’s top order took full advantage of the batting-friendly surface. Openers Aiden Markram (47) and Mitchell Marsh (81) stitched together a solid 99-run partnership. Nicholas Pooran capitalized on the momentum, smashing an unbeaten 87, helping Lucknow post a mammoth total of 238/3.

Rahane led from the front for KKR with a composed 61, and Rinku Singh’s explosive 15-ball 38* gave the hosts a fighting chance. However, they ultimately fell short by just four runs.