KKR urged to find new home in IPL: Here's why
What's the story
Former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull has advised the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to move their franchise if Eden Gardens curator Sujan Mukherjee continues to ignore the team's requirements.
Doull's suggestion came in a Cricbuzz show after Mukherjee refused to change the pitch conditions at Eden Gardens, despite KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane requesting more spin-friendly surfaces.
The Rahane-Mukherjee clash has stirred controversy, with both Doull and renowned broadcaster Harsha Bhogle expressing their displeasure over it.
Doull's remarks
Doull's strong stance on curator's comments
Doull was frustrated with Mukherjee's comments, and suggested KKR should find a new home where they would get the 'home advantage.'
He said, "If he's not taking heed of what the home team wants... I mean they are paying the stadium fees, they are paying for what's going on in the IPL but if he's still not paying heed of what the home team wants, then just move the franchise away to somewhere else."
Curator's response
Mukherjee's firm stance on pitch conditions
Mukherjee made it clear that he won't change the pitch conditions on franchise requests.
"As per the IPL rules and regulations, franchises have no say over the pitch," he told RevSportz.
"Ever since I have taken charge (as Eden curator), the pitches here have been like this. It was like this in the past. Things haven't changed now, and it will not be altered in the future."
Bhogle's opinion
Bhogle supports Doull's suggestion
Bhogle backed Doull's suggestion, emphasizing that KKR shold be backed here.
"RR, if they are playing at home, should get the tracks that they think are suited for their bowlers. So too with KKR. I saw something what the KKR curator has said. If I'm in the KKR camp, I'm extremely unhappy of what he said because I'm not asking for a 120 surface. I'm just saying, give me a surface where my bowlers can win matches," he said.
Words
Bhogle highlights importance of home advantage in IPL
Bhogle also emphasized on home advantage in a tournament like the IPL.
"To say, 'sorry, we don't prepare pitches like that...' No. We are not asking you to make a 120 pitch, we are not asking you to make a 240 pitch. But I think home advantage in a tournament like IPL is absolutely legitimate. That will enhance the tournament because winning away becomes crucial then," Bhogle added in a Cricbuzz show.
Rahane
What Rahane said after the KKR-RCB contest?
In the IPL 2025 opener, RCB hammered KKR at Eden Gardens.
Rahane talked about the need for pitches that would assist their spinners more.
"We would love to see the pitch helping the spin bowlers but again, this wicket was under covers for the last one-and-a-half days," he said at the post-match press conference.
"Both the spinners we have, the quality they have, they can bowl in any kind of wicket and I am sure they are confident as well."
WIn
KKR bounce back with away win against RR
KKR beat RR in match number 6 of the IPL 2025 season at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati.
The Knight Riders successfully chased down 152 to win their first match of the season. Quinton de Kock led the charge with a solid knock of 97*.
A concerted bowling effort, especially from Varun Chakravarthy and Moeen Ali, restricted the Royals to 151/9 in 20 overs.
RR lost their second successive game this season.