KKR’s 'pitch request' rejected again as fresh controversy erupts ahead of LSG clash

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are all set to lock horns with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their next game of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. The match will be played at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Tuesday (8th April) in what will be the afternoon fixture.

KKR management, as per the reports in RevSportz, asked for the used surface for the match. But, their request has been turned down as the pitch curator as Sujan Mukherjee isn't keen to use the same strip that was during their last game.

Pitch number 4 will be used for the KKR vs LSG clash

The reports in RevSportz claimed that pitch number 4 will be used for the Kolkata Knight Riders vs Lucknow Super Giants match in the IPL. It is learned that the Ajinkya Rahane-led side was happy with the way the surface played out against Sunrisers Hyderabad and, hence, they demanded the same.

The source close to the developments confirmed that as per the IPL guidelines, there needs to be a seven-day gap but even if it was possible, the used pitch wouldn't have been offered. Speaking about the same, he said:

“First up, as per the IPL guidelines, a seven-day gap is required in terms of using a pitch from one game to another,” said a source in the know. “But even if it was possible to play on the same pitch, it was never going to be used for the LSG game. A used pitch in this heat is high-risk. Pitch No. 4 will be used instead.”

Pitch for KKR vs LSG game will be a tad sluggish in nature

It is learned that the pitch that will be used for the Kolkata Knight Riders vs Lucknow Super Giants game will be a tad sluggish in nature. The surface is also expected to offer a bit of turn but nothing drastic. “It will have something for everyone if the players are up to it,” said the source.

KKR won their last game of the IPL 2025 against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Eden Gardens. They posted a total of 200 runs and then bundled out the opposition for 120 runs to win the game by 80 runs, marking their second win in the league.

Ball thoda rukega yehan pe - Shahbaz Ahmed

Shahbaz Ahmed, the Bengal all-rounder who plays for LSG in the IPL, talked about the pitch at Eden Gardens, saying that the ball will stop there and there will also be a turn.

“Ball thoda rukega yehan pe (the ball will stop a bit here),” he said at the pre-match press conference. “There will be turn. At the same time, run-scoring is possible as well.”

Kolkata Knight Riders would be keen to carry on their good performances and register their third win. Lucknow Super Giants, on the other hand, have also won two games in 4 matches.

Read Also: Shahbaz Ahmed reveals Rishabh Pant’s mood amid struggles, orders Digvesh Rathi to stop notebook celebration