After KKR pitch controversy, LSG’s Zaheer Khan slams Lucknow curator for not following team’s order

Zaheer Khan criticized the Ekana pitch curator after LSG's defeat vs. PBKS, claiming that the pitch was not up to the wishes of the home side.

After KKR pitch controversy, LSG’s Zaheer Khan slams Lucknow curator for not following team’s order

Zaheer Khan slammed the Ekana Stadium pitch curator for not preparing a pitch according to LSG's wishes. (via Tribune)

Lucknow Super Giants mentor Zaheer Khan was not impressed with the pitch at the Ekana Stadium, following LSG’s disappointing eight-wicket defeat to Punjab Kings. He joins a long list of teams this season who have complained about their home pitches, including KKR and CSK.

LSG suffered their second defeat of the season, to a resurgent PBKS side, who looked in shape. Batting first at the BRSABV Ekana Stadium, LSG was restricted by the Punjab Kings’ bowlers to a modest total of 171 runs for the loss of seven wickets. Star Indian pacer and ICC T20I Player of the Year, Arshdeep Singh scalped three wickets for PBKS, while Lockie Ferguson and Marco Jansen took one each. 

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Meanwhile, in response, Punjab successfully chased down the target in 16.2 overs, guided by opener Prabhsimran Singh’s knock of 69 runs off just 34 balls. For LSG, mystery spinner Digvesh Rathi took the only two wickets of the innings, as the other bowlers were hammered all around the park. LSG included four spinners in the lineup, including Digvesh Rathi, M. Siddharth, Ravi Bishnoi and Abdul Samad.

The home side was hopeful of a spin-friendly surface at their home ground, the Ekana Stadium. However, to their utter surprise, pacers seemed to rule the wicket, backfiring their team selection decisions. LSG mentor and former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan partially blamed the Ekana Stadium’s curator for preparing an unfriendly pitch, which allowed the visitors to walk away with a win. 

Speaking after the match, the 46-year-old legend noted his disappointment with the wicket legend, and went on to claim that the Ekana stadium curator did not prepare the pitch, keeping LSG’s demands and wishes in mind. He even went to the extent of labeling the curator as a ‘Punjab Kings fan’. Zaheer Khan added that he would try to do something possible, so that such a thing does not happen again.

What was a little disappointing for me here, considering it’s a home game… you’ve seen the curator is not really thinking that it’s a home game. I think maybe it looked like, you know, it was Punjab curator out here.

Zaheer Khan following LSG’s defeat (H/T Cricbuzz)

The 46-year-old also stated that it remains important that each and every individual at the Ekana Stadium contributes to the team’s victory. Zaheer Khan even highlighted the expectations that LSG has from the home games. Having said that, Khan however, conceded that he was not using the pitch as an excuse for his side’s dismal performance. LSG have now lost two out of their first three matches this season.

In terms of support for the home team, everyone must be aware that this is our team that’s playing in Lucknow and what we can do to ensure a victory. Everyone’s contribution is necessary.

Zaheer Khan added

Moreover, Zaheer Khan’s LSG are not the first team this season to question the home pitches. Earlier this season, KKR engaged in a spat with Eden Gardens’ pitch curator, Sujan Mukherjee, over the preparation of a spin-friendly track. Mukherjee, however, denied KKR’s request, citing BCCI’s rules on pitch alteration. 

Big boost for LSG, as star pacer set to join the team ahead of Mumbai Indian clash next this week  

Lucknow Super Giants are set to receive a major boost ahead of their upcoming match against Mumbai Indians. Star pacer Akash Deep is expected to return to the LSG camp, and might be available for their next match at the Ekana Stadium. 

LSG Akash Deep return
Right-arm pacer Akash Deep is expected to make his return to play for LSG. (via News Bytes)

LSG have a depleted pace attack this season. Left-arm pacer Mohsin Khan was ruled out for the season with an ACL injury, with veteran Shardul Thakur coming in as a replacement. Akash Deep’s expected return could benefit the team greatly. The former RCB star was bought by LSG at a massive price of INR 8 crores. He has been cleared to play by the NCA, after undergoing rehabilitation in Bengaluru.

Meanwhile, Avesh Khan has already returned to the team, and featured in the team’s last two encounters. However, young Indian speedster Mayank Yadav is still out, and his availability for the rest of the season remains a concern for the team.