IPL 2025: KKR vs Eden Gardens pitch curator row takes a new turn

Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders have managed to ruffle some feathers early in the 18th edition of the IPL. The IPL 2024 champions started their title defense with a heavy defeat against RCB at their home ground, Eden Gardens. While their newly appointed skipper, Ajinkya Rahane, impressed with the bat, their 174-run total proved easily chaseable for RCB. After Virat Kohli saw the chase off, Rahane, in a casual admission, mentioned his thoughts about his home pitch. The Kolkata skipper expressed his wish for the Eden Gardens pitch to aid his spinners better in the upcoming matches. However, Rahane's harmless opinion was met with harsh criticism from the pitch curator at the venue, Sujan Mukherjee.

Eden Gardens pitch curator Sujan Mukherjee backtracks on his comments against KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane

Eden Gardens pitch curator Sujan Mukherjee has come under fire from KKR supporters after allegedly rejecting skipper Ajinkya Rahane's request for a spin-friendly surface. However, in a recent twist, Mukherjee has now refuted the claims, insisting he never dismissed any such proposal and maintains a strong rapport with the franchise’s management and owners. The controversy erupted following KKR’s defeat to RCB in the IPL 2025 season opener in Kolkata. Post the match, Ajinkya Rahane expressed his preference for a pitch that would provide greater assistance to his spinners.

In an interview following the match, Mukherjee initially stood firm, asserting that as long as he remained curator, the pitch conditions would not be tailored to suit specific team demands. He also took a dig at KKR’s bowling unit, pointing out that RCB’s spinners had outperformed them. His comments quickly made headlines, sparking outrage among KKR fans on social media. Now, in a surprising reversal, Mukherjee has claimed that no official request was made by KKR or its players before the RCB clash, contradicting earlier reports.

"No official or player asked for the pitch requirement for the first match. A coach at the time of practice asked me about the behaviour of the pitch. I said ghumega bhi aur accha chalega (the pitch will turn, and it will be good for batting)," he told. "I never denied anything to KKR. We have been in good relations for a long time. I prepared the pitch as per BCCI guidelines. Those who are accusing me know nothing," he added.

Former New Zealand pacer Simon Doull also weighed in on the matter, criticizing Mukherjee’s stance. He suggested that if KKR cannot have the pitch conditions they desire, they should consider relocating to a different home venue. Doull further stated that a curator’s job is to prepare the pitch based on the home team’s needs, not to offer opinions on their performance. Despite the setback in their opening game, KKR bounced back in style, securing an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati.

"If he (the curator) is 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," Doull said.