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The ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season has sparked fresh debate over pitch preparation, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) mentor Dinesh Karthik voicing dissatisfaction after his team suffered consecutive losses at their home ground, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The issue has reignited discussions about the balance between bat and ball in T20 cricket, with Karthik emphasizing the need for batting-friendly tracks.
RCB’s struggle on home turf
RCB’s recent six-wicket defeat to Delhi Capitals (DC) marked their second consecutive home loss, leaving fans and players alike frustrated. The Chinnaswamy pitch, traditionally known for high-scoring games, has surprised everyone this season by offering challenging conditions for batters. Speaking at the post-match press conference, Karthik did not hold back in expressing his disappointment.
“In the first two games, we asked for good pitches,” Karthik said. “But it’s turned out this way, where it’s been challenging to bat on. Definitely, this is not a pitch that’s helping the batters too much. It’s been hard to rotate strike and play big shots, which are essential in T20 cricket.”
Impact on fans and broadcasters
Karthik highlighted how low-scoring games could diminish the entertainment value of T20 cricket, which thrives on big hits and high totals. “The more runs there are, the better it is for broadcasters and fans. They love to see boundaries,” he remarked. His comments underline a broader concern that challenging pitches may not align with the fast-paced spectacle that IPL aims to deliver.
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Pitch preparation debate intensifies
The controversy surrounding pitch preparation is not limited to Bengaluru. Other franchises, including Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), have also voiced their concerns about unfavorable home conditions this season. However, RCB’s case stands out due to their specific request for batting-friendly tracks, which was reportedly ignored by the curator.
Karthik hinted at plans to address the issue directly with the curator. “We will obviously have a chat with him. We trust him to do his job and will try to ensure better conditions moving forward,” he said. His remarks reflect a growing tension between franchises and ground staff over pitch expectations.
