The 2025 IPL season has barely begun, yet there is already a brewing storm between the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) camp and Eden Gardens curator Sujan Mukherjee. Following their heavy defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the season opener, murmurs have emerged from KKR regarding the nature of the pitch. But with Mukherjee standing firm on his stance, this debate may only intensify if results continue to falter for the home side.
What did KKR captain Rahane say?
Skipper Ajinkya Rahane subtly voiced his concerns after the loss, expressing a preference for spin-friendly conditions. “We would love to see the pitch helping the spin bowlers,” he stated, while also acknowledging that the wicket had been under covers due to weather conditions. This statement hints at a bit of a frustration within the KKR camp, given their reliance on mystery spinners like Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy.
However, Mukherjee has categorically dismissed any possibility of altering the pitch to favor one team. “As per the IPL rules and regulations, franchises have no say over the pitch,” he asserted to RevSportz.
With KKR now heading to Guwahati for their next fixture against the Rajasthan Royals (RR), their management will have to rethink their approach. Eden Gardens will host its next game on April 3 against Sunrisers Hyderabad, and regardless of whether KKR submits a request for a spin-friendly track, Mukherjee has made it clear that he will not entertain such demands.
