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'No One Asked...': Eden Gardens Curator Takes U-Turn After Pitch Controversy

Soumyajit Dutta

Sujan Mukherjee, Ajinkya Rahane and Chandrakant Pandit [Source: @KKRWeRule/X]Sujan Mukherjee, Ajinkya Rahane and Chandrakant Pandit [Source: @KKRWeRule/X]

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Sujan Mukherjee, the Eden Gardens pitch curator, has addressed recent criticism over his remarks on franchise involvement in pitch preparation. Initially stating that franchises "have no say" in pitch-making, Mukherjee has now clarified that the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) did not request specific conditions for their IPL 2025 opener against RCB). 

Denying any friction, he emphasized his longstanding rapport with KKR’s management and adherence to BCCI guidelines. The controversy arose after KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane hinted at desiring a spin-friendly surface, prompting Mukherjee’s earlier pushback. 

Eden Gardens Pitch Curator Backs Off From His Early Statement

Former cricketer Simon Doull also weighed in, asserting curators should prioritize home teams’ needs. Speaking to Sports Tak, Mukherjee refuted claims of ignoring KKR’s demands.

 “No official or player asked for the pitch requirement for the first match. A coach at the time of practice asked me about the behaviour of the pitch. I said ghumega bhi aur accha chalega (the pitch will turn, and it will be good for batting).”

Sujan stressed collaboration with KKR and also stated that he never denied curating for the home team.

“I never denied anything to KKR. We have been in good relations for a long time. I prepared the pitch as per BCCI guidelines. Those who are accusing me know nothing.”

Former New Zealand pacer Simon Doull contested Mukherjee’s initial stance. “The curator’s job isn’t to pass an opinion on the matches, rather it is to make the pitch according to the requirement of the home team.”

Mukherjee's Earlier Statement

Mukherjee had earlier dismissed franchise input after Rahane’s subtle pitch request, telling RevSportz.

“As per IPL rules, franchises have no say over the pitch. Ever since I have taken charge, the pitches here have been like this. It was like this in the past. Their (RCB) spinners took four wickets between them. What did the KKR spinners do? Krunal Pandya got three wickets. Suyash Sharma turned the ball to castle Andre Russell.”

While the pitch curator debate is turning heads, for those unaware, Kolkata lost the match against Bengaluru as the latter thrashed the target of 175 set by Kolkata in just 16.2 overs. Eden Gardens will next host a match on April 3 against Sunrisers Hyderabad.