It seems Sujan Mukherjee, the pitch curator at Eden Gardens, is caught in the middle of a classic IPL debate — home advantage versus a balanced pitch. The veteran curator seems to be defending his decisions while also trying to reassure Kolkata Knight Riders management that the pitches will have some assistance for spinners in the upcoming IPL 2025 games. In a freewheeling chat with RevSportz, Mukherjee shares his emotions after being targeted by a section of KKR fans, the relation he shares with the KKR hierarchy, whether the wickets at the venue will offer help to the spinners in remaining matches of IPL 2025 and that the BCCI guidelines suggest franchises do not have a say in pitch preparation and more. Here are the excerpts:
Q: Were you a bit hurt after being targeted by a section of KKR fans for Eden Gardens pitch not offering help to the spinners in the IPL 2025 opener against RCB?
Sujan Mukherjee: Look, I do not follow social media. But when I heard what was being said about me, it felt bad. I have always tried to prepare a sporting track where there is something for everyone – batters, pacers and spinners.
Q: KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane expressed his wish to see a spin-friendly track at Eden so his bowlers could get some assistance. Your thoughts?
Sujan Mukherjee: There was turn on offer in the pitch for the first match against RCB. And KKR have good pacers in their side like last season. All I am trying to say is if you watch the first match, there was some turn as well, especially the way Andre Russell got dismissed.
With the IPL played on a home-and-away basis, the home team asking for a favourable surface shouldn’t be an issue. After all, that’s the very basis of bilateral cricket. Stephen Fleming & @parthiv9‘s comments only intensify the debate.@BoriaMajumdar https://t.co/lWII7Ty05U
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) March 30, 2025
Q: How will the wickets play at Eden for the remaining matches, will there be help for the spinners?
Sujan Mukherjee: There has been help for the spinners here. If we make rank turners, then it might backfire. Spectators come to the ground to watch a good entertaining cricket where there is help for everyone. There will be a bit more help for the spinners in the upcoming matches.
Q: Can KKR expect a turning pitch for the game against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 3?
Sujan Mukherjee: I repeat that there was spin on offer for the first game against RCB. It is up to the players to utilise the conditions.
Q: How are the preparations going for the pitches for the remaining matches at the Eden?
Sujan Mukherjee: The preparations are going according to routine. Preparing the pitches is a very delicate thing. The wickets are being watered as required. At the same time, there has been regular mowing of the grass.
Q: If there is a formal request from the KKR management to provide extra spin, will you provide it?
Sujan Mukherjee: Everyone is welcome to me. Even the association is always willing to help. There has always been a good rapport between the state association (CAB) and the franchise. The KKR management also has a fair idea about the wicket and conditions on offer at Eden over the last few seasons since I took charge. Once the team returns from Mumbai, surely, we can have a discussion and I will see what best I can do.
Exclusive 🚨
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 to @debasissen
Full interview 12 noon.pic.twitter.com/Qmy1oQJ5a8
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) March 30, 2025
Q: Do you agree that there should be home advantage for the franchises?
Sujan Mukherjee: As per the BCCI guidelines, it is clearly mentioned that the pitch and ground preparation for all IPL regular season matches is the responsibility of the chief curator of the host association under the guidance from the BCCI-appointed venue curator, and they will be the sole decision-maker regarding the nomination of practice and match pitches, as is the case for first-class matches in India. It is also instructed that the franchises and players shall not have any say in the preparation of the wicket. The BCCI chief curator is available to give any advice that is required and will also be able to intervene if any issues arise.
Q: Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming also highlighted the point of home advantage after his side lost to RCB at Chepauk?
Sujan Mukherjee: I am told the wicket was re-laid last season. The wicket at Chepauk has always been slow turners traditionally. One must also give credit to RCB bowlers, and CSk can also lose games at their home.
Q: Harsha Bhogle and Simon Doull commented that there should be home advantage for the franchises. How do you react to it?
Sujan Mukherjee: I do not have to bother about what Harsha Bhogle or Simon Doull said. What matters to me is what the spectators and my association say about the wicket. I am accountable to the BCCI for producing a good sporting wicket.
Q: Finally, what will be your message to the KKR team, management and the fans?
Sujan Mukherjee: All I can say is we all want KKR to do well this season.