Eden Gardens pitch curator Sujan Mukherjee is facing criticism from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) fans after refusing captain Ajinkya Rahane’s request for a spin-friendly pitch. However, he has since reversed his stance, claiming he never denied the request due to his positive relationship with the management and owners.
The controversy began after KKR’s loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL 2025 opener when Rahane expressed his desire for a pitch that would favour spinners.
In an interview with RevSportz, Sujan Mukherjee dismissed the request, stating the pitch conditions would remain the same under his tenure. He also mocked KKR’s spinners, suggesting RCB’s bowlers performed better, which quickly sparked disappointment among KKR fans on social media.
However, Sujan Mukherjee has now clarified that he never refused any requests, as no official or player from KKR specifically asked for a particular type of pitch ahead of the RCB fixture.
“No official or player ever inquired about the pitch requirements for the first match. During practice, a coach asked me about the pitch’s behavior, and I told him it would turn and be good for batting,” he explained to Sports Tak.
“I never refused anything to KKR. Our relationship has always been strong. I prepared the pitch in accordance with BCCI guidelines. Those accusing me are completely uninformed,” he continued.
Former New Zealand pacer Simon Doull criticised Mukherjee’s refusal, suggesting that KKR might want to consider relocating if they cannot get pitches suited to their needs. Doull argued that a curator’s job is not to offer personal opinions but to prepare pitches according to the requirements of the home franchise.
In an interview with Cricbuzz, he said, “If the curator isn’t considering the home team’s needs… I mean, they are paying the stadium fees, funding the IPL operations, yet if their requests aren’t being taken into account, then maybe the franchise should consider relocating.”
“His job isn’t to comment on the game. That’s not the reason he’s being paid,” he concluded.
Following their opening loss to RCB, KKR made a strong comeback with an eight-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati.