The KKR was unhappy with Eden Gardens pitch after a recent back-and-forth between team captain Ajinkya Rahane and the venue's pitch curator, Sujan Mukherjee. Rahane's appeal for a surface more conducive to the team's spinners was firmly rejected by Mukherjee, leading to frustration from both KKR players and commentators.
THE PITCH CONTROVERSY
KKR's home ground, Eden Gardens, has long been known for its bounce and carry, which traditionally benefits pace bowlers. Rahane, however, has suggested that the pitch could be more favourable for spinners, a move that would play to the strengths of KKR's bowling attack. Following their heavy loss to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Rahane noted the need for pitches that help their spin bowlers, particularly given the quality spinners in the KKR squad.
"We would love to see the pitch helping the spin bowlers, but again, this wicket was under covers for the last one-and-a-half days," Rahane explained after the match. "Our spinners are confident in their ability to bowl on any surface, but we would like conditions that suit them better."
However, Sujan Mukherjee, the Eden Gardens curator, dismissed Rahane's request outright, emphasizing that the nature of the pitch would not change. "As per IPL regulations, franchises have no say over the pitch," Mukherjee told RevSportz. "Since I’ve taken charge as curator, the pitches have been like this. Things haven’t changed, and they won’t be altered."
DOULL'S STRONG RESPONSE: KKR SHOULD CONSIDER RELOCATION
Mukherjee's firm stance did not sit well with former New Zealand cricketer and broadcaster Simon Doull. Expressing his dissatisfaction, Doull suggested that KKR might want to consider relocating their home matches if the curator continues to disregard their preferences.
"If the curator refuses to accommodate what the home team wants, then why should KKR keep playing there? They are paying for the stadium, the IPL fees, and the match arrangements, so if the curator isn't listening to them, perhaps KKR should move their home games elsewhere," Doull said on a Cricbuzz show.
Doull criticized Mukherjee for his unwillingness to consider the team's request for a pitch that favoured their spinners. "The curator is not paid to offer his opinion on the game," Doull added. "Rahane isn't asking for a pitch that’s a minefield. He just wants a track that's more spinner-friendly."
GOOGLE'S SUPPORT FOR HOME ADVANTAGE
Renowned commentator Harsha Bhogle also voiced his support for KKR's position, emphasizing the importance of having a home advantage in such a competitive tournament like the IPL.
"What Rahane is asking for is reasonable," Bhogle explained. "He’s not demanding an unplayable pitch, just one that gives his bowlers a better chance to win matches. Home advantage is legitimate in tournaments like the IPL. It makes winning away games all the more significant."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The debate raises a crucial point about the role of pitch curators and the fairness of home advantages in cricket. While Rahane's request for a pitch suited to his spinners is not outlandish, the rejection by the Eden curator underscores the delicate balance between catering to team needs and maintaining consistency across venues.
The ongoing discussion reflects how home conditions if altered to favour one team, could influence the outcome of matches. It is not just about making pitches unplayable, but rather creating an environment where the home team can play to its strengths something that is a part of cricketing traditions around the world.
As IPL 2025 progresses, KKR will likely continue to push for pitches that better suit their style of play. Whether Mukherjee will heed these requests remains to be seen, but the broader question of home advantage and pitch preparation will continue to be a point of discussion throughout the tournament.
