In a stirring revelation that has reignited discussions around cricket pitch preparation, former Bengal cricketer Shreevats Goswami has taken to social media to voice his concerns over the practices of Eden Gardens pitch curator Sujan Mukherjee. The controversy centers around the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and their alleged lack of influence over pitch conditions at their home ground.
Goswami, who has played for Bengal for over a decade, shared his firsthand experiences on the platform X, stating, “Fact: Nothing new with the Eden Garden curator not listening to the home captain. Having played for Bengal over a decade, I have witnessed this up close. As a home team, we would request a certain pitch to gain home advantage but would seldom get it. In fact, the curator wouldn’t even let us train in Eden Gardens or run rounds because apparently, the ‘grass would be spoiled’. Meanwhile, I would see Karnataka players running around in Chinnaswamy Stadium!”
In response to the mounting criticism, Mukherjee has defended his position, asserting a positive relationship with KKR’s management and owners. He refuted claims that KKR had requested specific pitch conditions for their IPL 2025 opening match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). “No official or player asked for pitch requirements. A coach merely inquired about the pitch’s behaviour. I said, ‘Ghumega bhi aur accha chalega’ (the pitch will turn, and it will be good for batting),” Mukherjee clarified in an interview with SportsTak.
Mukherjee emphasized his adherence to BCCI guidelines, dismissing the accusations as baseless. “I never denied anything to KKR. We have been in good relations for a long time. Those who are accusing me know nothing,” he stated firmly.
The controversy has been further fueled by comments from former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull, who argued that curators should prioritize home team requirements over offering personal opinions on pitch conditions.
Following the match against RCB, KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane expressed a preference for more spin-friendly conditions at Eden Gardens but refrained from outright criticism. When questioned about Rahane’s remarks, Mukherjee defended his stance, stating, “As per IPL rules, franchises have no say over pitch preparation. Since I have taken charge, the pitches here have remained the same.”
Mukherjee also highlighted RCB’s performance on the pitch, questioning KKR’s strategy. “Their spinners took four wickets. What did KKR’s spinners do? Krunal Pandya got three wickets. Suyash Sharma turned the ball to castle Andre Russell,” he remarked, pointing out the effectiveness of RCB’s spin bowling attack.