March 30, 2025: Eden Gardens pitch curator Sujan Mukherjee has found himself at the center of a heated debate surrounding the preparation of the pitch for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season.
The controversy ignited after KKR’s captain, Ajinkya Rahane, expressed a desire for a spin-friendly wicket in their match against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), following a disappointing performance in their tournament opener. KKR’s star spinner, Varun Chakravarthy, was hammered for 43 runs during the match, leading Rahane to call for a pitch that would favor spin.
However, Mukherjee faced backlash from some sections of KKR fans after he denied Rahane’s request. The curator clarified his stance by quoting the BCCI’s guidelines on pitch preparation, which state that the pitch and ground preparation for IPL matches fall under the responsibility of the chief curator of the host association. Franchises and players, according to the guidelines, are not allowed to have a say in the pitch’s preparation.
“As per the BCCI guidelines, it is clearly mentioned that the pitch and ground preparation for all IPL regular season matches is the responsibility of the chief curator of the host association under the guidance from the BCCI-appointed venue curator,” Sujan told RevSportz. “Franchises and players shall not have any say in the preparation of the wicket.”
Sujan also addressed the criticism he received on social media, admitting that it hurt, despite not following social media closely. However, he maintained that his aim was to prepare a balanced track that caters to all aspects of the game—batters, pacers, and spinners alike. He pointed out that there was noticeable turn in the first match against RCB, especially in the way Andre Russell was dismissed.
“I have always tried to prepare a sporting track where there is something for everyone—batters, pacers, and spinners. There was turn on offer in the pitch for the first match against RCB. And KKR have good pacers in their side like last season,” Mukherjee said.
Sujan also discussed the potential downsides of preparing a pitch that would favor spinners entirely. While he acknowledged that there has been help for spinners, he warned that making the surface a “rank turner” could backfire. He emphasized the importance of providing a pitch that offers entertainment and a competitive balance for all players.
“If we make rank turners, then it might backfire. Spectators come to the ground to watch good, entertaining cricket where there is help for everyone. There will be a bit more help for the spinners in the upcoming matches,” he added.
The controversy sparked a reaction from former New Zealand fast bowler Simon Doull, who suggested that KKR might want to consider finding a new home ground. In response, Mukherjee subtly hit back at Doull, stressing that he did not need to worry about opinions from external commentators.
“I do not have to bother about what Harsha Bhogle or Simon Doull said. What matters to me is what the spectators and my association say about the wicket. I am accountable to the BCCI for producing a good sporting wicket,” Sujan stated.
Looking ahead, Mukherjee reassured that he was open to discussing pitch preparations with the KKR management once the team returned from their Mumbai leg of the IPL. He pointed out that the team had enough experience playing at Eden Gardens over the years and was willing to take their feedback into consideration.
“The KKR management also has a fair idea about the wicket and conditions on offer at Eden over the last few seasons since I took charge. Once the team returns from Mumbai, surely, we can have a discussion and I will see what best I can do,” he concluded.
As the debate continues, all eyes will be on how Eden Gardens’ pitch evolves throughout the IPL 2025 season and whether it provides the balance Mukherjee aims for between bat and ball.