IPL 2025: Harsha Bhogle, Simon Doull slam KKR pitch curator for denying home advantage

After KKR loses their first game of the season at their home, Eden Gardens, Kolkata, against RCB in almost a one-sided contest, captain Ajinkya Rahane urges a spin-friendly surface at their home. However, the pitch curators clearly deny the request of the KKR captain, saying, “The pitch will not change as long as he is in charge.” Now, cricket experts Harsha Bhogle and Simon Doull have slammed the curator for his remarks and denying “Home Advantage” for the defending champions.

KKR and Eden Gardens pitch curator not on same page 

Following the defeat against RCB in the season opener, KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane requested a spin-friendly track. He said, “We would love to see the pitch helping the spin bowlers.” However, Eden Gardens’ pitch curator, Sujan Mukharjee, replied, “As long as I’m here, Eden Gardens pitch will not change. As per the IPL rules and regulations, franchises have no say over the pitch. Ever since I have taken charge, the pitches here have been like this. The RCB spinners took four wickets between them. What did the KKR spinners do?”

“No one is asking the curator to dig up the pitch” Harsha Bhogle slams KKR pitch curator

Speaking to Crickbuz, Harsha Bholge slams the pitch curator for his remarks and explains the importance of home advantage for a team in tournaments like the IPL. He said, “I saw something that the KKR curator said. If I am in the KKR team, then I’m extremely unhappy with what he has said. Because I’m not asking for a 120 surface, I’m just saying give me a surface that my bowlers will be able to win me teams on. And to say ‘sorry, I’ll prepare the pitches, you don’t’, no!”

Harsha Bhogle: No-one is asking the curator to dig up the pitch and make 120 pitches.
Simon Doull: He(Curator )is not paid to give his opinion on the game.
Watch how big cricket experts are reacting on the illogical statements of Sujan Mukherjee 👇pic.twitter.com/xRaJx4H5bu

— KKR Vibe (@KnightsVibe) March 26, 2025

“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 added.