Shreyas Iyer-led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are gearing up for a face off against Pat Cummins' Sunrisers Hyderabad in the third match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens on March 23. Eden Gardens is undoubtedly one of the most iconic cricket grounds in India. The stadium has produced some interesting fixtures over the years. For the last nine years, former first-class cricketer Sujan Mukherjee has been in charge of the stadium surface as pitch curator.
There is no question of favouring the home team: Sujan
Ahead of the KKR versus SRH match, Sujan Mukherjee made it very clear that the pitches don't favour the home team as per the IPL rules but it depends on the curator.
“There is no question of favouring the home team. I said it last year, and I am repeating it: nowhere in the IPL rules it is stated that pitches should favour the home team. It depends on the curator,” Mukherjee told Sports Now.
Notably, pitches have their characteristics at various stadiums. Some are known to favour the home team. Kolkata pitch is considered as the batting paradise. Seven matches were played at the Kolkata-based venue last year.
Meanwhile, curator Sujan refused to consider the request to prepare slow pitches specifically to suit the home team (KKR). He went on to say that he has not received any hints from KKR management.
‘Wickets that I prepare will offer good bounce with little spin’
"They have a spin-heavy team every year, but this time they have Mitchell Starc, who was bought for Rs 24.75 crore. So, he is a pacer. I also have not received any hints from KKR management," said Mukherjee.
"See, it is not like the Eden wicket does not spin; it does a bit. Remember the ODI World Cup match between South Africa and Australia?" Mukherjee asked before adding, "The wickets that I prepare will offer good bounce with little spin, and the batter will also enjoy playing here. The public will also want a pitch that offers something for everyone.”
Notably, the average first-innings score at Eden Gardens is 164 and the average second-innings score is 150. The team batting first won 135 matches and the team batting second won 52 matches.
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