Sujan Mukherjee, Eden Gardens Curator, Rejects KKR Captain Ajinkya Rahane’s Appeal Once Again

The Eden Garden’s curator, Sujan Mukherjee, has once more rejected Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Ajinkya Rahane’s appeal for spin-friendly pitches. After just one IPL 2025 match, the ground at Kolkata's famous Eden Gardens came under scrutiny.

The flat pitch used in the opening match between KKR and RCB stayed true to the hitters and gave the spinners very little help.

Rahane had demanded some spin

Ajinkya Rahane, the captain of KKR, publicly demanded a spin-friendly pitch for the forthcoming home games as a result. Sujan Mukherjee, however, rejected Rahane's requests for a spin-friendly surface, asserting that franchises have no control over the pitch's characteristics and that the pitch will not change.

Fans and some cricket experts criticized Mukherjee for his remarks. Simon Doull, a former cricket player for New Zealand, even proposed that the squad relocate and play at any other stadium.

Ajinkya Rahane and Sujan Mukherjee, the Eden Gardens curator, clash

During the post-match interview after KKR's defeat to RCB recently, the home team's captain, Ajinkya Rahane, asked for more spin-friendly pitches, given the team's strength in this department.

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

Sujan Mukherjee, however, denied altering the pitch's character in a direct statement following Rahane's remarks. He rejected the franchise's role in pitch preparation right away, and as long as he is there, he won't let it alter.

“As long as I’m here, the Eden Gardens pitch will not change. As per the IPL rules and regulations, 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. Things haven’t changed now, and it will not be altered in the future," he said.

Mukherjee has been curating the Eden Gardens since 2015 and was hired by then-CAB president Sourav Ganguly. However, he has often been criticised for the pitches at the ground.

I will try to help as much as I can: Sujan Mukherjee mellows down after an outburst from KKR fans

Sujan Mukherjee has chosen to speak out about this issue and has defended the field that was used in the KKR vs. RCB game. He promised to assist as much as he could, but he declined to meet all of the franchise's needs.

"You've seen that the ball turned a lot (talking about Suyash Sharma's ball). Let me see what more help they want, and they can come and talk to me. I won't be able to fulfill all their demands because I am also accountable to the BCCI. I will try to help as much as I can," Mukherjee said to RevSportz.

Sujan Mukherjee went on to say that he and every other employee at Eden Gardens are Knight Riders supporters and enthusiastically celebrate the team's victories.

"Not only me, from top to bottom, even the groundsmen, they are all KKR supporters. If the team loses, everybody is sad. Groundsmen started dancing (after KKR's title win last year)," he added.

BREAKING
Home advantage is natural in the @IPL or not? How should curators react to home team demands?

Sujan Mukherjee who has been in the eye of the storm takes all straight questions.

Answers everything @debasissen @RevSportzGlobal asks. Full interview 12 noon. @shamik100 pic.twitter.com/6KNlTw9U4j

— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) March 30, 2025

Also Read: CSK's Stephen Fleming Blasts His Own Pitch Curator After RCB Loss