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When Eden Gardens pitch curator Sujan Mukherjee stated that no team would dictate conditions to him about wicket preparation, he drew criticism from both fans and specialists. After Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Ajinkya Rahane expressed his displeasure at not receiving a spin-friendly pitch against Royal Challengers Bangalore.
“We would love to see the pitch helping the spin bowlers, but again, this wicket was under cover for the last one-and-a-half days. Both the spinners we have, the quality they have, they can bowl on any kind of wicket, and I am sure they are confident as well," Rahane said at the post-match press conference.
Cricket experts are not pleased with Eden Gardens pitch curator Sujan Mukherjee's direct denial of Ajinkya Rahane's request to prepare spin-friendly surfaces. Rahane expressed his desire to see a spin-friendly surface at Eden Gardens that would complement his team's strengths after the KKR vs RCB game. Mukherjee, however, flatly refused to accommodate any such requests, stating that the pitch would not alter until he was in charge.
However, now in an exclusive conversation with Sports Tak, Eden Gardens pitch curator Sujan Mukherjee refused all these rumours and said nobody from KKR asked him regarding the pitch requirement in the first match and added that he is great terms with the franchise.
"No official or player asked for the pitch requirement for the first match. A coach at the time of practice asked me about the behaviour of the pitch. I said ghumega bhi aur accha chalega," Eden Gardens Curator told Sports Tak.
"I never denied anything to KKR. We are in good relation for long time. I prepared pitch as per BCCI guidelines. Those who are accusing me know nothing,"
Former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull was also unimpressed with the remarks from the curator and lashed out at him by saying that KKR should relocate their base from Eden Gardens if the curator is unwilling to comply with the home team's demands.
“If he is not taking heed of what the home team wants, then just move your franchise away to somewhere else. His job is not to pass opinion on a game. That’s not what he’s getting paid for,” Doull said.
Kolkata Knight Riders faced a defeat in the tournament opener, which was being played at their home against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. However, the defending champions bounced back with a great win against Rajasthan Royals in their second clash, which was played at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati.
