Eden Gardens Curator Faces Renewed Scrutiny
Kolkata – The ongoing debate surrounding the Eden Gardens pitch and curator Sujan Mukherjee has intensified following allegations made by former Bengal cricketer Shreevats Goswami. Goswami’s claims suggest a long-standing practice of the curator denying requests for specific pitch preparations, impacting the home team’s ability to leverage a home advantage. This development adds another layer to the controversy sparked by Mukherjee’s recent statements regarding the pitch for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) versus Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) match.
Goswami's Allegations: A History of Restricted Access
Goswami, who represented Bengal in 61 first-class games and over 200 white-ball matches, and was part of Virat Kohli’s U19 World Cup-winning team, took to social media on Thursday night to express his concerns. His tweet highlighted a recurring issue: the curator’s reluctance to accommodate requests from the home team regarding pitch conditions. “Fact: Nothing new with the Eden garden curator not listening to the home captain. Having played for bengal over a decade, have been witness to this from close quarters. As a home team we would ask for a certain pitch to take the home advantage but would seldom get it,” he stated.
He further elaborated that the curator reportedly didn’t permit Bengal players to train at the venue, ostensibly to prevent the pitch from being damaged. This restriction, according to Goswami, has been a consistent challenge for the Bengal team in their quest to establish Eden Gardens as a formidable fortress.
The Curator's Perspective and Past Transformations
Sujan Mukherjee has served as the chief curator of Eden Gardens for nearly a decade. During his tenure, he spearheaded a significant transformation of the venue’s pitch, shifting it from a traditionally slow and low surface to a faster, bouncier track that favors pace bowlers. While this change has been credited with producing exciting cricket matches, it hasn't always been welcomed by the home sides, including Bengal and Kolkata, who have struggled to consistently dominate at Eden Gardens.
In a recent interview with Sports Tak, Mukherjee defended his approach, stating that no official or player had requested specific pitch requirements for the first match. He acknowledged a conversation with a coach regarding the pitch's behavior, during which he indicated that it would offer both turn and good batting conditions.
Impact on Bengal's Match Selection
The perceived lack of control over pitch preparation has reportedly influenced Bengal’s decision to occasionally host crucial matches at the University ground in Salt Lake, rather than at the iconic Eden Gardens. This preference underscores the team's desire to secure a pitch that aligns with their strategic needs.
Key Points & Timeline
- March 2025: Sujan Mukherjee states he won't alter the Eden Gardens pitch.
- March 27, 2025: Shreevats Goswami publicly alleges curator restricted training.
- March 28, 2025: Mukherjee defends his approach in an interview with Sports Tak.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the controversy surrounding the Eden Gardens pitch?
The controversy stems from curator Sujan Mukherjee’s reluctance to alter the pitch to suit the home team’s preferences, leading to accusations of denying a home advantage.
2. Why did Shreevats Goswami make these allegations?
Goswami’s allegations are based on his personal experience playing for Bengal and witnessing the curator’s consistent refusal to accommodate requests for specific pitch conditions.
3. How has this impacted Bengal’s match strategy?
Bengal has occasionally opted to play important matches at the University ground in Salt Lake due to concerns about the Eden Gardens pitch.
4. What changes has Sujan Mukherjee made to the Eden Gardens pitch?
Mukherjee transformed the pitch from a slow, low surface to a faster, bouncier track that favors pace bowlers.