KKR vs Eden Gardens Pitch Curator: Everything you need to know

KKR lost the IPL 2025 opener against RCB by seven wickets.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has begun on an excellent note, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru leading the table after back-to-back wins against arch-rivals Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

Their victory against KKR, in particular, grabbed headlines for non-cricketing reasons as controversy erupted over the nature of the pitch at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

Traditionally a spin-friendly wicket, Eden Gardens has transformed into a pace-friendly pitch and has featured high scores in recent IPL seasons.

The change has suited KKR’s explosive batting lineup but has undermined their potent spin attack.

KKR vs Eden Gardens Pitch Curator: Everything you need to know

The recent drama began when Ajinkya Rahane, in the post-match press conference, emphasized that he would like to see the Eden Gardens pitch assist spinners.

Rahane said, “We would love to see the pitch helping the spin bowlers, but again, this wicket was under cover for the last one-and-a-half days. Both the spinners we have, the quality they have, they can bowl on any kind of wicket, and I am sure they are confident as well.“

In response, Eden Gardens’ pitch curator Sujan Mukherjee sparked controversy by dismissing Rahane’s statement, stating that franchises have no say in deciding the nature of the pitch.

He backed his statement by pointing out that RCB spinners Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma took wickets, while KKR spinners were ineffective.

Mukherjee said, “As per the IPL rules and regulations, franchises have no say over the pitch. Ever since I have taken charge (as Eden curator), the pitches here have been like this. It was like this in the past.“

“Things haven’t changed now, and it will not be altered in the future. 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.“

Notably, during IPL 2023, the then KKR captain Nitish Rana voiced his frustration over the pitches at the Eden Gardens, stating that every team had a home advantage except KKR.

Mukherjee had also responded to Rana, stating, “IPL isn’t played on home advantage.“

Mukherjee has now clarified his stance on the controversy amid heavy criticism, stating that he maintains a healthy relationship with the KKR management. He also mentioned that he had not received any request from the franchise regarding the pitch before the RCB game.

“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),” Mukherjee told Sports Tak.

“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.“

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