The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) franchise has found itself in the middle of a controversy after the pitch at Eden Gardens came under scrutiny following their defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL 2025 opener. The KKR management expressed its dissatisfaction with the playing surface, leading to a heated debate about the role of pitch curators and home advantage in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Discontent Over Pitch Conditions
Following their loss to RCB, KKR’s team management voiced concerns over the nature of the Eden Gardens pitch, which did not align with their strategic preferences. The franchise had expected a pitch that would be more conducive to spin bowling, given the team composition and their historical success on slow, turning tracks. However, the curator of Eden Gardens, Sujan Mukherjee, made it clear that the pitch conditions would not be altered to suit the home team’s requirements.
Mukherjee’s stance did not sit well with KKR, and it sparked criticism from former New Zealand pacer Simon Doull, who argued that if the franchise continues to face such issues, they should consider relocating to another venue where they have greater control over pitch preparation.
Simon Doull’s Strong Criticism
Doull, speaking on Cricbuzz, did not mince words when addressing the controversy.
“If he’s not taking heed of what the home team wants… I mean, they are paying the stadium fees, they are paying for what’s going on in the IPL, but if he’s still not paying heed to what the home team wants, then just move the franchise away to somewhere else,” Doull remarked.
He further criticized the curator for publicly expressing his opinions rather than prioritizing the home team’s needs.
“His job is not to pass an opinion on the game. That’s not what he’s paid for,” Doull added.
The Home Advantage Debate
The controversy also sparked a broader discussion about the concept of home advantage in the IPL. Veteran cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle weighed in on the issue, emphasizing the importance of home teams being able to tailor conditions to their strengths.
“RR, if they are playing at home, should get the tracks that they think are suited for their bowlers. So too with KKR,” Bhogle opined.
He further elaborated on the need for a fair balance, asserting that teams should not be asking for extreme conditions but rather a pitch that gives them a legitimate advantage while maintaining the integrity of the game.
“I saw something the KKR curator has said. If I’m in the KKR camp, I’m extremely unhappy with what he said. We’re not asking for a 120-run pitch; we’re not asking for a 240-run pitch. But I think home advantage in a tournament like IPL is absolutely legitimate. That will enhance the tournament because winning away becomes crucial then,” Bhogle said.
KKR’s Perspective and Possible Implications
KKR’s management believes that their inputs should be considered in pitch preparation, especially since they are the paying franchise and bear significant operational costs. In major global leagues, home teams often have a say in pitch conditions, and KKR feels they are being denied a crucial aspect of their home advantage.
Should this situation remain unresolved, it could lead to drastic steps, including KKR considering alternate venues where they can exert greater influence over playing conditions. While such a move would be unprecedented, it underscores the growing tensions between franchises and stadium authorities regarding pitch control.