Eden Garden Ground Curator, Sujan Mukherjee, has found himself at the center of a debate about the “loss” of the domestic team. Rised after discussion Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) spinner Varun Chakraborty was taken to the cleaner, scoring 43 runs in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season opener against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
Curator faced criticism from some sections of KKR fans after rejecting the captain Ajinkya RahaneRequest to prepare spin-friendly pitch for the ongoing IPL season. Mukherjee has broken his silence, clarifying that the pitch curators follow the BCCI's instructions, nor the franchise nor the players say in the matter.
According to the BCCI guidelines, it is clearly mentioned that all IPL regular season matches and ground preparations are the responsibility of the chief curator of the host association under guidance from the BCCI-based site curator, and they will be the only decision producers about the nomination of practice and match pitches, as for first-class matches in India.
He said, “It is also instructed that franchisees and players will not have to say in the preparation of the wicket. The BCCI Chief Curator is available to give any advice that is necessary and if any problem arises, will still be able to intervene,” he said.
Sujan admitted that criticism hurt him despite not being active on social media. However, he maintained his stance, emphasizing that the pitch offered some to the spinners, which cited Andre Russell's dismissal against RCB. They believe that making the surface completely spin-friendly can lead to a two-edged sword and backfire.
“Look, I don't follow social media. But when I heard what is being said about me, it felt bad. I have always tried to prepare a game track where there is something for everyone – batsmen, pacers and spinners.
The curator said, “The proposal was made in the pitch for the first match against RCB. And KKR has good pacers like the previous season. I am trying to say that if you watch the first match, there were some turns, especially the way Andre Russell rejected the way Andre Russell rejected.
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Former New Zealand cricketer Simon Dol shared his views on the matter, suggesting that the defending champion should consider going out of the Eden Garden and finding a new homeground. Curator claimed that KKR management well knows how the wicket behaves and will discuss what the best works for them.
“I don't have to worry about what Harsha Bhogle or Simon Doll said. What does I mean to what the audience and my association has said about the wicket. I am accountable to BCCI to produce a good game wicket.
He said, “KKR management has made a fair consideration of wickets and conditions on the proposal in the Eden in the last few sessions. Once the team returns from Mumbai, of course, we can discuss a discussion and I will see what I can do,” he said.
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