BENGALURU, April 11 – Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) mentor Dinesh Karthik has expressed concerns over the nature of the pitch at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium this IPL season, calling it “challenging” despite the franchise’s request for a batting-friendly surface.
RCB’s explosive batting unit has struggled in both of their home matches this season, managing only 169/8 against Gujarat Titans and 163/7 against Delhi Capitals, losing both encounters. Karthik believes the low-scoring trend has stripped the team of its traditional home advantage.
"Not the Pitch We Asked For": Karthik
“In the first two games, we have asked for good pitches. But it’s turned out in this way where it’s been challenging to bat on,” Karthik said in the post-match press conference. “We try to do the best with whatever we get. But we will obviously have a chat with him [the curator]. We trust him to do his job.”
The former India wicketkeeper highlighted that the current pitch conditions have hindered even basic batting strategies. “It’s been hard to rotate strike, and the big shot has been really hard as well,” he noted.
Pitch Conditions Unfavorable for T20 Entertainment
Emphasizing the essence of T20 cricket, Karthik said high-scoring matches with frequent boundaries are vital for fans and broadcasters alike.
“The more runs there are, the better it is for the broadcaster, the better it is for the fans. They all like to see boundaries,” he said, acknowledging the entertainment value of big scores in T20s.
Drizzle, Dew, and Diminished Chances
Karthik also pointed out how weather played a role in their latest loss against Delhi Capitals. “It was a bit sticky, the pitch. After the first four overs and up until the 13th, we were in the game,” he said.
However, a slight drizzle mid-innings made the surface easier for DC to chase. “There wasn’t much dew, but a little bit of rain came. You could see the difference in the pitch. The shots they played definitely weren’t possible in the first innings.”
RCB Joins Chorus of Pitch Complaints Across Franchises
Karthik’s criticism adds to a growing list of teams voicing concerns over home pitches. Earlier, LSG’s Zaheer Khan hinted at bias in pitch preparation after their defeat to Punjab Kings, suggesting, “the curator could have been from Punjab.” CSK’s Stephen Fleming also admitted their inability to gauge the Chepauk pitch, leading to a lost home edge for two seasons.
Bright Spot: Suyash Sharma Impresses
Despite the loss, Karthik praised young leg-spinner Suyash Sharma, who delivered a tight spell of 4-0-25-1. “Suyash is one that is bound to play some higher cricket very soon with the skill sets that he possesses,” Karthik said. “The more revolutions you give on this pitch, the better it has been for the bowlers.”
As RCB looks to bounce back, the focus may now shift off the field—toward the curator’s room.
Last updated by a enewsx:
