Eden Gardens pitch curator Sujan Mukherjee has firmly denied allegations of refusing to accommodate Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) pitch preferences. Stating that he maintains regular communication with the franchise, Mukherjee added that he is open to collaboration as and when the franchisee wants, but completely changing the nature of the surface is beyond his limits.

“The pitch is already turning. In the last game, RCB spinners did get help, so I do not know why people are trying to stir up controversy,” Mukherjee said in an exclusive chat with Sports Now.

“All that Rahane said was that had it spun a bit more, it would have been nice,” he pointed out.

Mukherjee, who has been at the centre of this brewing pitch debate, clarified his approach toward pitch preparation. “When I make a pitch, I try to offer a surface that offers both spin and bounce. We have had discussions behind the scenes. Naturally, if KKR approach me, then I will listen to them. I have good relations with the franchise — Chandrakant Pandit, Ajinkya Rahane, Venky Mysore. Even Rahane has spoken to me, and I listen to them because I am open to feedback. This is their home, and it will always be. I am flexible and not rigid,” he said.

The curator emphasized his vision of creating a balanced surface at Eden Gardens. “Some pitches in the country are witnessing scores of 250-280, but at Eden, I want to give equal chances to bowlers and batters. That is my viewpoint, and I believe that everyone will agree to that and not create unnecessary controversy around it.”

The controversy reignited after media reports claimed Mukherjee had refused Rahane’s request to provide a pitch offering more turn. At the time, the curator had reportedly retorted that the pitch “would not change as long as I’m here.”

The comment drew sharp criticism from cricketer-turned-analyst Simon Doull, who suggested that KKR should consider relocating if the curator was unwilling to meet the team’s needs.

Bengal cricketer, Shreevats Goswami added fuel to fire and took to X and wrote: "Nothing new with the Eden garden curator not listening to the home captain. Having played for bengal over a decade,have been witness to this from close quarters. As a home team we would ask for a certain pitch to take the home advantage but would seldom get it. Infact the curator wouldn’t even let us train in the Eden garden , run rounds cause apparently the “grass would spoiled”. On the other hand I would see my counterpart Karnataka players running around in Chinaswamy stadium"

The debate isn’t new. In 2023, Mukherjee had courted controversy by stating he wasn’t obligated to follow franchise directions. He had also defended his stance in 2024 and explained the complexities involved in altering pitch behaviour for a two-month tournament like the IPL.

While the debate continues to swirl around the Eden Gardens square, Mukherjee insists he is open to feedback but maintains that creating a fair surface remains his top priority.

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