Although it is still early in the IPL 2025 season, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are expressing dissatisfaction with the pitch conditions at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Curator Sujan Mukherjee has firmly stated that there will be no alterations to the pitch, which is known for its bounce, carry, and seam movement, despite KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane's appeal for surfaces that would better support the team's spinners. Mukherjee's remarks have drawn criticism from former New Zealand fast bowler Simon Doull and prominent broadcaster Harsha Bhogle. Doull was particularly incensed, suggesting that KKR consider relocating to a different venue where they could secure a 'home advantage.'

Following KKR's recovery from a significant loss to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru with a victory against the Rajasthan Royals in an away match, both Bhogle and Doull criticized Mukherjee for disregarding KKR's need for a 'home advantage.' Bhogle pointed out that Rahane was not requesting an excessively spin-friendly pitch; rather, he sought a surface that would better support his spinners. Historically, KKR has been known for its strong spin bowling, particularly during their successful years under Gautam Gambhir, when they clinched titles in 2012 and 2014 on a distinctly different Eden pitch.

"Rajasthan Royals, when playing at home, should have pitches that favor their bowlers, and the same should apply to KKR. I was taken aback by the curator's comments. If I were part of the KKR organization, I would be extremely dissatisfied with his statement. We are not asking for a pitch that favors low scores or high scores; we simply want a surface that allows our bowlers to secure victories. To dismiss the request by saying, 'we don't prepare pitches like that' is unacceptable. Home advantage in a tournament like the IPL is entirely valid and would enhance the competition, making away victories even more significant," Bhogle remarked during a discussion on Cricbuzz.

What Ajinkya Rahane said and what Eden curator replied with

After RCB hammered KKR on a placid Eden surface in the first match of IPL 2025, captain Rahane talked about the need for pitches that would assist their spinners more. “We would love to see the pitch helping the spin bowlers but again, this wicket was under covers for the last one-and-a-half days,” he said at the post-match press conference, adding: “Both the spinners we have, the quality they have, they can bowl in any kind of wicket and I am sure they are confident as well.”

Sujan Mukherjee, who replaced Prabir Mukherjee as the chief curator of Eden Gardens following the latter's resignation after a washout game between India and South Africa in 2015, said he would not change the pitch based on the franchise's request. “As per the IPL rules and regulations, franchises have no say over the pitch,” he told RevSportz. “Ever since I have taken charge (as Eden curator), the pitches here have been like this. It was like this in the past. Things haven’t changed now, and it will not be altered in the future.”

The veteran curator even pointed out that the RCB spinners got wickets. “Their (RCB) spinners took four wickets between them,” he said. “What did the KKR spinners do? Krunal Pandya got three wickets. Suyash Sharma turned the ball to castle Andre Russell.”

Doull wants KKR to find a new home

Doull said KKR should consider playing their home matches elsewhere if the curator refuses to help them.

"If he's not taking heed of what the home team wants... I mean they are paying the stadium fees, they are paying for what's going on in the IPL but if he's still not paying heed of what the home team wants, then just move the franchise away to somewhere else.

"His job is not to pass an opinion on the game. That's not what he's paid for," he added.

"I can understand if the KKR captain says, take all the grass out, rough it up, make it unplayable. No, he's not asking for that. He's just saying give me a track which is sp[inner friendly. Chennai is going to be a 160 pitch. As soon as the MI vs CSK match was over, Ashwin and Vijay Shankar the local boys were close to the surface, talking to the curator. There is nothing illegitimate about that; you must have a home advantage, and that is very good to have," Bhogle said.

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