 expressed disappointment over the Eden Gardens pitch after their IPL 2025 opener loss to RCB.){kind=link}
The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) team management expressed disappointment over the condition of the Eden Gardens pitch following their loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the opening match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. The franchise was reportedly frustrated with how the pitch played, as it did not provide them with the kind of home advantage they had hoped for.
Pitch Curator Stands Firm on Surface Preparation
Despite KKR’s concerns, Eden Gardens’ curator, Sujan Mukherjee, made it clear that there will be no alterations to the nature of the pitch going forward. Mukherjee’s firm stance suggested that the pitch would continue to be prepared in a manner he deems appropriate rather than catering to specific team demands. His comments did not sit well with the KKR management and some experts who believe home teams should have some influence over pitch conditions.
Simon Doull Suggests KKR Should Consider Relocating
Former New Zealand pacer and cricket analyst Simon Doull was vocal about his disapproval of Mukherjee’s remarks. Doull suggested that if the home team’s requests are ignored, they should consider relocating to another venue.
“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,” Doull stated emphatically.
He also emphasized that the curator’s role is to prepare pitches, not to provide opinions on the game itself. “His job is not to pass an opinion on the game. That’s not what he’s paid for,” he added, indicating that the pitch conditions should align more closely with the home team’s requirements.
Harsha Bhogle Advocates for Home Advantage in IPL
Veteran cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle also weighed in on the matter, supporting the idea that home teams should have a say in pitch preparation. According to Bhogle, KKR’s captain, Ajinkya Rahane, prefers a pitch that assists spinners, and this should be taken into account when preparing the surface.
Bhogle drew parallels with other teams in the league, stating, “RR, if they are playing at home, should get the tracks that they think are suited for their bowlers. So too with KKR.”
He further expressed his frustration with Mukherjee’s refusal to accommodate KKR’s request: “If I’m in the KKR camp, I’m extremely unhappy with 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.”
The Importance of Home Advantage in IPL
Bhogle underlined that home advantage plays a significant role in making the IPL a more competitive tournament. “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 the IPL is legitimate. That will enhance the tournament because winning away becomes crucial then.”
His argument was centered on the idea that home teams should be allowed to curate pitches that complement their playing style, just as it happens in other domestic and international cricket leagues.
The controversy surrounding the Eden Gardens pitch has sparked a debate about the level of influence that IPL franchises should have over pitch preparation at their home venues. While the KKR management and experts like Simon Doull and Harsha Bhogle believe that the home team should have a say in the pitch conditions, the curator remains firm in his stance of maintaining the pitch in its natural state. With the tournament just beginning, it remains to be seen whether this issue will lead to further discussions or possible changes in the way pitches are prepared in the IPL.
With a passion for news writing and a deep interest in Journalism, Bowrna wants to write articles that create an impact. Not only writing, she also has a passion for voiceovers and also aspires to become a Radio Jockey in the future. When not writing, she likes to listen to songs and dance to her heart's content. She is proficient in English, Tamil and Hindi.
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