IPL 2025: Ajinkya Rahane Blame Eden Gardens Pitch After KKR’s Narrow Loss to LSG
Rahane voices frustration over lack of spin support as Kolkata fall 4 runs short in high-scoring thriller

IPL 2025: Ajinkya Rahane Blame Eden Gardens Pitch After KKR’s Narrow Loss to LSG
Asela MadhusankaEditor
Posted - 2025-04-09T00:50:50+06:00
Updated - 2025-04-09T00:50:50+06:00
The iconic Eden Gardens hosted a run-fest on Sunday night but Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane wasn’t too thrilled especially with the nature of the pitch.
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In Match 21 of IPL 2025 Lucknow Super Giants edged out KKR by just 4 runs in a high-octane contest that saw nearly 500 runs scored. While the fans were treated to a thrilling clash KKR captain Rahane couldn’t hide his disappointment at how the conditions played out, particularly the lack of assistance for spinners traditionally Eden's strength.
Batting first Lucknow Super Giants put up a massive 238/3. Mitchell Marsh smashed 81 while Nicholas Pooran was at his destructive best hammering an unbeaten 87 off just 36 balls.
KKR responded strongly in the chase. Skipper Rahane held the innings together with a composed 61 and Venkatesh Iyer added a quickfire 45. However the hosts fell agonizingly short, finishing at 234/7 just four runs adrift.
Speaking at the post-match press conference Rahane was candid about the challenges of playing on such a flat surface.
“Firstly, there was no help for the spinners, let me clear that,” he said. “They (LSG) used the boundary really well, bowling to the longer side — they did that really well. Our bowlers tried too, but again, Pooran and Marsh batted exceptionally, taking their chances which worked for them.”
He acknowledged the batting-friendly nature of the pitch:
“It was a lovely wicket, we all saw that — almost 500 runs scored. It was hard for bowlers, but again, they (LSG) used the conditions and boundary dimensions very smartly.”
However the most pointed remark came when he was asked again about the Eden track:
“There have been enough talks over the wicket here. Main kuch bolunga to bawaal ho jayega (If I say anything, it’ll become a controversy). Our curator has already gotten a lot of publicity, and I think he’s happy with that. I’ll not say anything more and will raise it with IPL and the concerned authorities.”