KKR-Eden Gardens pitch controversy sparks major reactions from ex-cricketers advocating in favor of home advantage

Former cricketers Arun Lal and Manvinder Bisla expressed their disapproval of the Eden Gardens' curator denial to make pitches favoring KKR.

KKR-Eden Gardens pitch controversy sparks major reactions from ex-cricketers advocating in favor of home advantage

Former cricketers disapproved of Eden Gardens' pitch curator to deny KKR an much-needed home advantage. (via Times of India)

A major feud has broken out between defending IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders and the Eden Gardens’ pitch curator, over the demand of spin-friendly pitches. Former players Arun Lal, Deep Dasgupta and Manvinder Bisla expressed their opinion on the ongoing controversy. 

Back in 2023, Nitish Rana had bitterly admitted that KRR is the only team without a home advantage. All other IPL franchises do enjoy a home advantage. Five-time IPL winners Chennai Super Kings are one of the most successful teams at home, enjoying a 70 percent win record at Chepauk. Last season, Sunrisers Hyderabad were helped by the batting friendly surfaces at home, winning five out of seven matches.

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While KKR did lift the 2024 IPL trophy, the new season, however, started on a mixed note. Under a new captain and a much-depleted side, KKR have won one and lost one out of their two opening matches. The first match was played at the Eden Gardens against RCB, as the home side suffered a seven-wicket loss. KKR could only post a total of 174 runs, which was chased down by the RCB batters in just 16.2 overs. 

Following the match, controversy erupted over the Eden Gardens’ pitch once again, with KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane expressing a desire to play on spin-friendly pitches. His demand seemed legitimate, with KKR possessing the likes of two good spinners, Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine. Rahane added that the team, like other IPL franchises, should enjoy a slight home advantage.

However, pitch curator Sujan Mukherjee, who had previously denied such requests, noted that teams do not have a say over the pitch. He even stated that he is not bound to prepare wickets according to the team’s wishes. The scenario seems to have turned intense, with several former players and analysts urging Kolkata Knight Riders to shift their home base to a different city, to counter these challenges.

Former Indian cricketer Arun Lal pointed to the necessity of home advantage to maintain excitement and competitiveness. He even brought up examples of pitches being prepared according to the home team’s interests in international cricket. Manvinder Bisla, who was a part of KKR between 2011 and 2014, urged the pitch curators to not be rigid, while stating that the issues regarding the Eden Gardens’ pitch have continued for years now.

Teams should definitely get home advantage in cricket to maintain excitement and competitiveness.

Ex-Indian cricketer Arun Lal on pitch controversy (via Times of India)

However, former Indian wicket-keeper-turned commentator Deep Dasgupta, who weighed into the debate over the Eden Gardens’ pitch shared a different opinion. He claimed that the nature of the wicket has not changed. Nonetheless, KKR did make a comeback, claiming an impressive eight wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals in the second match.

KKR-LSG match rescheduled after CAB and Kolkata Police make joint request 

Kolkata Knight Riders’ IPL 2025 encounter against Lucknow Super Giants has been rescheduled, owing to security concerns in the city. The match, originally scheduled for April 6, will now be played at the Eden Gardens on April 8, following a joint request by Kolkata Police and the Cricket Association of Bengal.

KKR-LSG match
The match between KKR and LSG at the Eden Gardens has been rescheduled to 8 April. (via Hindustan Times)

The KKR-LSG game was initially supposed to be an afternoon game on a double-header Sunday. However, owing to the recent change, the match will now be played on Tuesday at the same time, two days later. The decision was announced after Kolkata Police and CAB requested the BCCI to reschedule the match, owing to a shortage of police personnel on April 6, due to Ram Navami festivities. 

The match was initially relocated to the ACA Stadium in Guwahati, on April 6. However, the game will now be played on a different date, with the match preceding Punjab Kings’ encounter that day, against Chennai Super Kings.