The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) team management expressed frustration with the Eden Gardens pitch following their defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL 2025 opener on March 26, 2025.
Curator Sujan Mukherjee has firmly stated that the pitch’s characteristics will remain unchanged for future matches, despite concerns. This decision has sparked a heated debate and drawn sharp reactions from cricket experts and commentators.
Former New Zealand pacer Simon Doull didn’t hold back, criticizing the curator’s stance. He argued that KKR, as the home team footing the stadium bills, should have a say in how the pitch is prepared. “If the curator isn’t listening to what the home team needs—despite them paying the fees—then KKR should consider relocating the franchise,” Doull said. He emphasized that the curator’s role is to support the team, not to dictate terms. “His job isn’t to comment on the game. That’s not what he’s paid for,” Doull added.
Just as KKR are right to want a pitch that aids their strengths, Sujan Mukherjee is entitled to his views on preparing the surface. This is a matter that could be resolved by a simple Bengali adda over cha and muri.@BoriaMajumdar writes #KKR #IPL2025 https://t.co/uXjViQD3ZR
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) March 27, 2025Veteran commentator Harsha Bhogle recently shared his insights during a Cricbuzz discussion, supporting the perspective of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Bhogle emphasized that skipper Ajinkya Rahane prefers a pitch that benefits spinners, a request he believes the curator should accommodate. “Home teams like the Rajasthan Royals or KKR should receive pitches that suit their bowlers,” Bhogle explained. “I noticed the comments made by the KKR curator, and if I were in their position, I would feel disappointed. They’re not asking for an unplayable pitch that produces just 120 runs or a flat track that yields 240 runs. They simply want a surface that allows their bowlers to excel.”
🚨Eden Gardens pitch curator Sujan Mukherjee has stirred a controversy related to the lack of turn in KKR's home match.
Is Mukherjee right or are #KKR being unfairly treated?
Here's @shamik100 on the entire incident@Wowmomo4u #KolkataKnightRiders #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/FkiD1WAzyT
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) March 25, 2025Bhogle further argued that home advantage is a legitimate aspect of the IPL. “It elevates the tournament by making away wins more challenging and rewarding,” he said.
