Credit: SportsTak
Eden Gardens curator Sujan Mukherjee faced outrage from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) fans and former stalwarts of the game, after denying a request from the home side’s captain Ajinkya Rahane. Following defending champions’ crushing seven-wicket defeat at the hands of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the opening Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 game, Rahane expressed his discontent with the Kolkata pitch and expected turning tracks for the further games at the venue. Reacting to Rahane’s statement, Mukherjee gave an interview to RevSportz and cited RCB spinners’ dominating performances in the game. He also added that he won’t perform any change on the turf.
After Mukherjee’s remark, KKR fans couldn’t keep their cool and came heavily on him through social media posts. Former New Zealand player Simon Doull said Mukherjee’s job is to act on the KKR request as the franchise is paying fees for the stadium. The former Kiwi player also advised defending champions to move away from Kolkata. Amidst the scene, Mukherjee has retracted from his previous comments while speaking to Sports Tak. He said that he never denied any request from the Knight Riders and also emphasised on his cordial relations with KKR team members. He also added that he created the pitch according to the Board of Control for Cricket in Indian (BCCI) guidelines.
"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). 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," said Mukherjee in his interview to Sports Tak.
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KKR will host Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 3
KKR’s next home game will be against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on April 3. Ahead of the SRH challenge, they will be squaring off against Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium on March 31. In 2024, KKR beat MI for the first time in 12 years at the latter’s iconic home ground.
Kolkata bagged their first victory of the season after vanquishing Rajasthan Royals (RR) by eight wickets at the Barsapara Stadium on March 26. Opener Quinton de Kock shone with his bat and chipped in with an unbeaten 91 off 67.
