After losing to RCB in their IPL 2025 opener, Kolkata Knight Riders expressed dissatisfaction with the Eden Gardens pitch. As curator refuses to alter the surface, Simon Doull and Harsha Bhogle back KKR’s demand for home advantage
March 27, 2025: The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are caught in an unexpected controversy after their disappointing loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL 2025 opener at Eden Gardens. The team management expressed concern over the nature of the pitch, which reportedly did not favor their bowling unit — particularly spin — as expected.
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However, Eden Gardens pitch curator Sujan Mukherjee has declined to make any changes to the surface, asserting that the pitch will remain as is for the upcoming matches. This firm stance has sparked a debate over the rights of home teams in the IPL to influence pitch conditions.
Former New Zealand pacer and commentator Simon Doull weighed in strongly on the issue during a discussion on Cricbuzz, suggesting that if the curator does not cooperate with the franchise’s needs, KKR should consider shifting their home base.
“If he’s not taking heed of what the home team wants… then just move the franchise away to somewhere else. They’re paying the stadium fees. His job is not to pass an opinion on the game,” said Doull.
Veteran cricket analyst Harsha Bhogle echoed the sentiment, stating that in a high-stakes tournament like the IPL, home advantage should be respected. He explained that Ajinkya Rahane, KKR’s new captain, prefers pitches that aid spinners and that this should be reflected in the home ground’s preparation.
“We’re not asking for a 120 pitch or a 240 pitch — just something that suits our bowlers. Home advantage is legitimate in a tournament like this. That enhances the value of winning away games,” Bhogle emphasized.
As tensions rise, the conversation has reopened the broader debate about pitch neutrality vs. home customization in franchise cricket. Whether KKR will push further or the pitch curator will reconsider remains to be seen.
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KKR, Eden Gardens pitch, IPL 2025, Simon Doull, Harsha Bhogle, Kolkata Knight Riders news, KKR vs RCB, IPL pitch controversy, Ajinkya Rahane, Sujan Mukherjee, home advantage IPL