Much has been discussed and documented regarding the Kolkata Knight Riders' dissatisfaction with the Eden Gardens pitch, largely due to the curator's firm position. This issue, which some may argue has been exaggerated, continues to generate debate. Following former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull's suggestion that KKR consider relocating if their pitch requirements were not met, former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Shreevats Goswami provided further insights into how curator Sujan Mukherjee has historically disregarded the requests of Bengal players during the domestic season.

Goswami, who was part of Virat Kohli's U19 World Cup-winning team and has played 61 first-class matches along with over 200 white-ball games for Bengal, stated that Mukherjee consistently denied the team the opportunity for 'home advantage.' He noted that there were instances when the curator even prohibited Bengal players from practicing on the field, citing concerns about damaging the outfield.

“There is nothing surprising about the Eden Gardens curator ignoring the home captain's requests. Having played for Bengal for over a decade, I have witnessed this firsthand. As the home team, we would request specific pitch conditions to gain an advantage, but such requests were rarely honored. In fact, the curator would not even allow us to train at Eden Gardens, claiming that our running would ruin the grass. Meanwhile, I would observe my counterparts from Karnataka freely jogging at Chinnaswamy Stadium!" Goswami expressed on X.

Mukherjee has served as the chief curator of Eden Gardens for nearly ten years. He played a pivotal role in transforming the venue's traditionally slow and low pitch into one that favors fast bowlers with its speed and bounce. While this change has led to exciting cricket matches, it has not always been favorable for the home teams, including Bengal and KKR.

This situation is a significant factor in why Bengal occasionally opts to host crucial matches at the University ground in Salt Lake rather than the renowned Eden Gardens.

KKR, which has boasted one of the most formidable spin bowling units in the IPL for over a decade, prefers a pitch that benefits their spinners. However, Mukherjee has remained resolute in maintaining the fast characteristics of the Kolkata pitch. Nitish Rana, the stand-in captain for KKR during the IPL 2023 season, was the first to publicly express concerns about the lack of "home advantage" due to the curator's decisions. Following KKR's defeat to RCB in the IPL 2025 opener, captain Ajinkya Rahane echoed similar sentiments, advocating for pitches that would better accommodate their spin bowlers.

Mukherjee dismissed these concerns, asserting that he would not alter the pitch's nature based on a franchise's demands. His remarks faced significant backlash from fans and analysts who argued that 'home advantage' should be a legitimate aspect of a tournament like the IPL.

Kolkata curator clarifies

Following the escalation of the issue into a significant debate among fans and analysts, Mukherjee provided clarification, asserting that the KKR management never requested a specific type of pitch.

"No official or player inquired about the pitch requirements for the opening match. During practice, a coach asked me about the pitch's characteristics. I responded that it would turn and be favorable for batting," he stated in an interview with Sports Tak.

"I have never refused anything to KKR. Our relationship has been strong for a long time. I prepared the pitch by BCCI guidelines. Those making accusations against me are uninformed," he continued.

KKR's home game in Kolkata is set for April 6 against the Lucknow Super Giants. There have been suggestions that the match may be relocated to Guwahati due to security concerns.

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