Ajinkya Rahane doesn’t hold back in slamming Eden Gardens curator for his unnecessary antics: “He has gotten a lot of publicity”

KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane once again criticized Eden Gardens' pitch curator Sujan Mukherjee for his antics, calling them publicity stunts.

Ajinkya Rahane doesn’t hold back in slamming Eden Gardens curator for his unnecessary antics: “He has gotten a lot of publicity”

KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane slammed the Eden Gardens' pitch curator, following the team's poor home defeat to LSG. (via NDTV)

Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane blasted the Eden Gardens’ pitch curator, Sujan Mukherjee, following his side’s disappointing home defeat to Lucknow Super Giants. Speaking on the ‘pitch’ row, Rahane claimed that the Eden Gardens’ curator has got enough publicity, through his antics.

The debate surrounding home advantage in the IPL seems to be an unending one. It started after KKR’s defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the season opener, at the Eden Gardens. KKR’s poor bowling show prompted skipper Ajinkya Rahane to publicly express his desire to play on a turning track. The 36-year-old made these demands with the hopes of making full use of the minimal home advantage.

However, Sujan Mukherjee, the Cricket Association of Bengal’s chief pitch curator, denied the team’s request. He asserted that he is not obligated to alter the pitch conditions as per the home team, and added that he would only follow the BCCI’s rules. Mukherjee’s comments led to significant backlash, with many advising KKR to shift their home ground, if necessary.

It forced Mukherjee to change his stance on pitch-making, as he later agreed make a spin-friendly track for the home side, in Kolkata. However, the pitch-alterations did not benefit KKR, who suffered their third defeat of the season, to LSG. The visitors, batting first, posted a massive total of 238 runs for the loss of just three wickets, as the KKR bowlers were hammered all around the ground.

LSG openers Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram stitched a brilliant 99-run partnership at the top, which was followed by some impressive batting from in-form Nicholas Pooran. In response, KKR did manage to score 234 runs, falling short only by four runs. Ajinkya Rahane, Sunil Narine, Venkatesh Iyer and Rinku Singh scored the runs for the home side. 

Upon being questioned about the lack of home advantage, Rahane irritably replied that there was no help for the spinners on the Eden Gardens’ pitch. Evading the ‘pitch’ query, the 36-year-old remarked that further comments would lead to controversy. Furthermore, he sarcastically remarked that the Kolkata pitch curator had already garnered publicity and suggested that he ought to be satisfied with the fame.

There is enough talk about the wicket. You guys have given enough publicity to it. If I say something it will be controversial. Our curator has got a lot of publicity and I think he is happy with that publicity.

KKR captain on the Eden Gardens’ pitch (H/T India Today)

Apart from KKR’s pitch concerns, other IPL teams have also voiced their opinions on home advantage and pitch conditions. Following a loss to Punjab Kings, LSG mentor Zaheer Khan humorously suggested the Ekana pitch curator might be a PBKS supporter.

Ajinkya Rahane counters Danny Morrison’s concerns about KKR’s openers

KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane countered former New Zealand cricketer-turned commentator Danny Morrison’s concerns about the team opening pair of Quinton de Kock and Sunil Narine. The Kolkata Knight Riders’ openers have actually struggled to find form, this season. 

Ajinkya Rahane on KKR openers
Ajinkya Rahane expressed confidence in KKR openers, Quinton de Kock and Sunil Narine, while answering to Danny Morrision’s query. (via Reddit)

The defending IPL champions let go of their star opener Phil Salt ahead of the 2025 season, signing South African veteran Quinton de Kock instead. However, the 32-year-old has failed to hit the ground running, with his only valuable knock being a 97-run innings against RR. It adds to the problem of Sunil Narine’s poor batting form.

KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane was questioned by Danny Morrison about de Kock and Narine’s form, to which the 36-year-old had a stern reply. The conversation took place during the toss, ahead of KKR’s match against LSG. Rahane confidently stated that the two openers are seasoned match-winners, and his side is not worried about their form.

People are going to talk about it, we know Quinny [Quinton de Kock] and Sunil [Narine] are match-winners. We are not worried about them.

Ajinkya Rahane on KKR’s opening pair (H/T Hindustan Times)

Nonetheless, Quinton de Kock continued with his poor batting form, as he managed to only score 15 runs against LSG, while chasing a target of 239 runs. Narine however, hit a quickfire knock of 30 runs, off just 13 deliveries, to bring KKR back into the match.