The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are facing a major issue at their home ground, Eden Gardens. Former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull has suggested that KKR should move to a different stadium if the Eden Gardens curator, Sujan Mukherjee, continues to ignore their requests for a pitch that supports spin bowling. This controversy has sparked debates among cricket experts, including Harsha Bhogle, who believes KKR should have a say in pitch conditions. Let’s break down the details of this ongoing dispute.
Doull Suggests KKR Should Relocate
Simon Doull, while speaking on a Cricbuzz show, expressed frustration over Mukherjee’s unwillingness to cater to KKR’s pitch preferences. He stated that if the franchise is paying stadium fees and contributing to the IPL, they should receive home advantage. He even went as far as to say that if their requests continue to be ignored, KKR should consider moving to another stadium.
“If he’s not taking heed of what the home team wants… then just move the franchise away to somewhere else,” Doull said.
Mukherjee Stands Firm on Pitch Conditions
Eden Gardens curator Sujan Mukherjee has made it clear that pitch conditions will not be adjusted based on franchise demands. He referred to IPL regulations, stating that franchises do not have control over pitch preparation.
“Ever since I have taken charge, the pitches here have been like this. It was like this in the past. Things haven’t changed now, and it will not be altered in the future,” Mukherjee told RevSportz.
Harsha Bhogle Supports Doull’s View
Renowned cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle backed Doull’s opinion. He argued that every team should have the right to home advantage, which includes playing on pitches that suit 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 stated.
Bhogle further emphasized that IPL teams should have a say in pitch conditions, as it adds to the competitive nature of the tournament.
“Home advantage in a tournament like IPL is absolutely legitimate. That will enhance the tournament because winning away becomes crucial then,” he added.
Rahane’s Take on KKR’s Pitch Issues
KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane also addressed the matter after their IPL 2025 opening match against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). The team struggled on a pitch that did not support spin, leading to their loss. Rahane highlighted the importance of having a spin-friendly pitch to support KKR’s strengths.
“We would love to see the pitch helping the spin bowlers, but again, this wicket was under covers for the last one-and-a-half days,” Rahane said during the post-match press conference.
KKR Bounces Back with an Away Win
Despite the home-ground issues, KKR made a strong comeback in their second match of the season. They defeated Rajasthan Royals (RR) at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, successfully chasing a target of 152 runs. Quinton de Kock’s outstanding knock of 97* led KKR to their first victory of IPL 2025. Varun Chakravarthy and Moeen Ali also played a key role in restricting RR to 151/9.
The controversy over Eden Gardens’ pitch conditions has sparked discussions about whether KKR should relocate. Simon Doull and Harsha Bhogle believe that home teams should have the advantage of playing on favorable surfaces, while curator Sujan Mukherjee insists that pitch conditions will not change. With IPL teams relying on home conditions to boost their chances, this debate could have a lasting impact on the league. Meanwhile, KKR has shown resilience with an away win, proving that they can perform even in challenging situations. Whether KKR stays at Eden Gardens or finds a new home remains to be seen, but the issue is far from over.
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