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Introduction
The 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season has been plagued by a major scandal concerning the pitch state at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. The controversy erupted following the defeat of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in their first match. The captain of KKR, Ajinkya Rahane, was unhappy with the pitch, saying it did not provide much help to spinners. These words sparked a controversy regarding curators and the preparation of pitches in the IPL.
The Genesis of the Controversy
After KKR’s defeat against RCB, Rahane said he would like to see spins getting more help from the pitches. He highlighted that the pitch had been covered for the past day and a half, implying that the conditions were not ideal for spin bowling. These comments were perceived as a subtle criticism of the Eden Gardens curator, Sujan Mukherjee. In return, Mukherjee categorically ruled out any possibility of changing the pitch, asserting that the preparation of the wicket is strictly in the domain of the BCCI-appointed venue curator and that franchises have no authority over this.
Sujan-Mukherjee-with-Chandrakant-Pandit
Curator’s Perspective
Sujan Mukherjee justified his stand by saying that the pitch had offered turn, as the spinners of RCB had taken several wickets. He felt let down at the criticism and said that he is responsible to the BCCI to deliver a sporting and fair wicket. Mukherjee further added that he does not use social media but was hurt when he came to know of the derogatory comments made about him.
The Curator’s Role in IPL
The controversy brings into focus the important role of curators in the IPL. The BCCI guidelines state that the host association’s chief curator, under the supervision of the venue curator appointed by the BCCI, is in charge of preparing the pitch. The preparation of the wicket cannot be influenced by the franchises and players. This hierarchy ensures that pitch conditions remain impartial and fair for every team.
Team Responses and Broader Implications
There have been complaints from other teams as well regarding pitch conditions. Mentor of Lucknow Super Giants, Zaheer Khan, was left disappointed with the surface at the Ekana Stadium, stating it more looked like a Punjab pitch than the one in Lucknow. The head coach of Chennai Super Kings bemoaned the absence of a consistent home boost at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, citing difficulties in getting used to different patch conditions. These episodes highlight the difficulties faced by teams in terms of pitch preparations and the necessity for consistency from grounds.
The Controversy Surrounding Home Advantage
Home advantage in the IPL has been debated for quite some time. Though some teams have traditionally used their home turf to their advantage, others have fared badly on inconsistent pitches. The existing row in Eden Gardens gives cause for concerns about the objectivity of preparations in pitches and franchises’ inputs therein. Interpolating team interests with fairness of competition has yet to find traction with the governing body of the IPL.
https://youtube.com/shorts/e7CeyuvmUwg?si=kEHA1LpT_so8vkEP
Pitch-at-Eden-Gardens
Wider Ramifications
The incident led to a wider argument in the cricket fraternity regarding the degree to which home sides ought to have control over pitch preparation. Home sides have historically modified pitches to best utilize their strength, a procedure that has long been a cause of controversy in the different variants of the sport. The IPL, with its franchise model, brought a different dynamic into place, where the teams are expected to conform to standardized conditions. Mukherjee’s position reaffirmed that IPL rules were designed to reduce home advantage differentials to a level playing field.
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Reactions and Aftermath
The drama saw different quarters reacting to it. Ex-players and commentators, such as Harsha Bhogle and Simon Doull, chimed in, calling for the pitch conditions to be less favorable for the encounter. Mukherjee countered that he was not bothered by outside views and only answered to the crowds and his fraternity, highlighting his dedication to providing a balanced pitch.
According to the BCCI rules, it is specifically stated that the preparation of the pitch and ground for all the IPL regular season games will be done by the chief curator of the hosting association under the supervision of the BCCI-nominated venue curator, and they will be the only decision-maker for the nomination of practice and match pitches, just like first-class matches in India,” he said to RevSportz. “It is also mandated that the franchises and players will not be involved in any decision-making regarding the preparation of the wicket. The BCCI chief curator is on hand to provide any advice needed and will also be in a position to step in if there is any problem,” he added.
Unwavering in his belief, Mukherjee said that the pitch in Eden Gardens does favor the spinners. To back his statement, he cited the dismissal of Andre Russell against the Challengers, that the ground had sufficient in it for slow bowlers.
“Look, I do not keep track of social media. But when I got to know what people were talking about me, it didn’t feel good. I have always worked towards creating a sporting track where everyone gets something – batters, pacers and spinners,” Sujan said.
“There was turn on offer in the match for the first game against RCB. And KKR also have decent pacers in their team like last year. All I am trying to convey is if you watch the first match, there was some turn too, especially the way Andre Russell got bowled out,” he further said.
When asked if a spin-friendly pitch would suit the hosts, Mukherjee was quick to warn, calling it a double-edged sword. “There has been assistance for the spinners here. If we create rank turners, then it may boomerang. Spectators arrive at the ground to see a good, exciting cricket where there is assistance for all. There will be a little more assistance for the spinners in the coming matches.” Notwithstanding the explanation, the incident has triggered debates between fans and experts, with others asking whether the teams have the right to more influence on home-ground conditions.
Sujan-Mukherjee-interview
Conclusion
IPL 2025 pitch row in Eden Gardens has cast attention on complicated equations between governing bodies, teams, and curators. Though curators such as Sujan Mukherjee go out of the way to stay neutral and even-handed, sometimes the demands of franchises and players can create frictions. Going forward, with the season rolling on, all concerned will need to have productive discussions so that the essence of the game is preserved and the integrity of the IPL is intact.
Written by – Shubham Bhattacharya
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