The era of controversies has also started in IPL 2025. In a new controversy, Kolkata's Eden Gardens pitch curator Sujan Mukherjee and Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane have come face to face. Actually, Rahane had demanded a spin-friendly pitch from Sujan before the opening match of the 18th season of IPL against RCB. But Sujan rejected it and after this he is facing a lot of criticism.
The result was that the defending champions had to face a big defeat in the opening match itself. After this, Rahane expressed disappointment in the post-match press conference. Then an interview of Sujan came, in which he criticized Rahane's behavior. He was opposed to this and now Sujan has taken a U-turn on his statement.
Rahane had criticized the pitch.
After KKR's big defeat to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the opening match of IPL 2025, Rahane expressed his disappointment over the pitch used for the match. He had said that he had expected to see a spin-friendly track at Eden Gardens. He said, 'We would have liked to see the pitch helping the spin bowlers, but for the last few days this wicket was inside the covers. We have two spinners and given their quality, they can bowl on any kind of wicket and I am sure they are also full of confidence.'
The pitch curator criticized the KKR team.
After this, pitch curator Sujan spoke to Revsportz. Sujan had said that he was not going to make any changes in the pitch and even gave the example of RCB spinners. He said, 'According to the rules of IPL, the franchises have no opinion about the pitch. The pitches here have been like this ever since I took charge. It was the same earlier as well. Things have not changed now and will not change in the future either.'
He said, 'RCB spinners together took four wickets. What did KKR spinners do? Krunal Pandya got three wickets. Suyash Sharma also got his turn and he troubled Andre Russell a lot.' However, Sujan Mukherjee had to face a lot of criticism for this comment. After this, he retracted his earlier statements and said that he never rejected any request from KKR.
Sujan clarified later
Later Sujan again gave a statement and said, 'No official or player had asked about the need for a pitch for the first match. During practice, a KKR coach had definitely asked me about the behavior of the pitch. On this I had said that the ball will spin on the pitch and it will also be good for batting.' Sujan also said that he has a good relationship with everyone in KKR. He said that the pitch was prepared as per the BCCI guidelines.
He said, 'I never denied anything to KKR. We have had a good relationship for a long time. I prepared the pitch as per the BCCI guidelines. Those who are accusing me do not know anything.' Former New Zealand fast bowler Simon Doull had slammed Sujan Mukherjee for rejecting KKR's request. He had said that if KKR does not get a pitch of its choice, then the franchise should move away from Eden Gardens.
Simon Doull lashed out at the pitch curator.
Doull had told Cricbuzz, 'If he (curator) is not paying attention to the needs of the home team... I mean the team is paying the stadium fees, the team is paying for what is happening in the IPL, but if the pitch curator is still not paying attention to what the home team wants, then take the franchise somewhere else.'
Doull said, 'The job of the pitch curator is not to give an opinion on the game. This is not what he is paid for.' After losing to RCB in their opening match, KKR registered their first win of the season against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati. KKR's next match is against Mumbai Indians on March 31. This match will be played at the Wankhede Stadium.
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