Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Ajinkya Rahane admitted that the Eden Gardens surface played differently than usual in their IPL 2025 opener against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Traditionally known for assisting spinners, the pitch this time offered little turn, impacting KKR's spin-reliant bowling attack in their seven-wicket defeat.

Rahane pointed out that the wicket had been under covers for the past one and a half days due to persistent rain, which resulted in some moisture early on. This worked in favour of RCB's fast bowlers, particularly Josh Hazlewood, who made full use of the conditions.

"We would love to see a pitch that helps spin bowlers, but this wicket was under covers for the last one and a half days," Rahane said in the post-match press conference.