As the IPL 2025 progresses, tensions have surfaced within the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) camp over the nature of the Eden Gardens pitch. Captain Ajinkya Rahane’s request for conditions that favor spinners more was met with a firm refusal from curator Sujan Mukherjee, who insisted that the surface would remain unchanged. Eden Gardens has traditionally provided pace, bounce and movement for seamers, a characteristic Sujan Mukherjee made clear would not be altered.
The issue has drawn sharp reactions from cricket experts, including former New Zealand pacer Simon Doull and seasoned broadcaster Harsha Bhogle. Expressing their displeasure, they criticised the curator for disregarding the home team’s need for a favorable playing surface. Simon Doull went as far as suggesting that KKR should consider relocating their home games to another venue where they could have more control over pitch conditions.
Harsha Bhogle said in a cricket show, “RR, if they are playing at home, should get the tracks that they think are suited for their bowlers. So too with KKR. I saw something what the KKR curator has said. If I’m in the KKR camp, I’m extremely unhappy of what he said because I’m not asking for a 120 surface. I’m just saying, give me a surface where my bowlers can win matches. To say, ‘sorry, we don’t prepare pitches like that…’ No. We are not asking you to make a 120 pitch, we are not asking you to make a 240 pitch. But I think home advantage in a tournament like IPL is absolutely legitimate. That will enhance the tournament because winning away becomes crucial then.”
Following KKR’s bounce-back victory against Rajasthan Royals after their initial loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru on a placid Eden Gardens pitch, Harsha Bhogle emphasised that Ajinkya Rahane’s request was reasonable.
He pointed out that KKR has historically thrived with quality spinners, particularly during their successful campaigns in 2012 and 2014. He argued that home advantage is a fundamental part of any tournament, stating that teams should be able to shape their conditions in a way that suit their strengths without resorting to extreme measures.
Ajinkya Rahane, in his post-match remarks after loss to RCB, had highlighted the importance of a pitch that aids spinners, acknowledging that the conditions had been under covers prior to the game. He expressed confidence in the ability of KKR’s spin attack to adapt but reiterated the preference for a pitch that offers some assistance.
Sujan Mukherjee, however, remained steadfast in his stance, asserting that the IPL regulations do not grant franchises authority over pitch preparation. He maintained that the Eden Gardens surface has remained consistent under his tenure and would not be modified. Defending his position, he pointed out that RCB’s spinners had managed to take wickets on the same pitch and questioned the effectiveness of KKR’s own spinners in that match.
Simon Doull’s frustration was evident as he questioned why the curator was disregarding the team’s needs, especially considering that KKR contributes to the operational costs of the stadium. He criticised the curator for overstepping his role, insisting that his job was to prepare the pitch rather than offer opinions on how the game should be played.
Simon Doull said, “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.”
Harsha Bhogle echoed similar sentiments, noting that other teams such as Chennai Super Kings, have successfully worked with their curators to develop surfaces that align with their strengths.
Harsha Bhogle stated, “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 spinner 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.”
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The debate over pitch conditions at Eden Gardens has now become a significant talking point in the IPL 2025, raising questions about the balance between maintaining traditional pitch characteristics and allowing franchises to optimise home advantage.
