Sujan Mukherjee, a pitch curator at Eden Gardens, has made a complete U-turn after facing widespread criticism for denying Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) skipper Ajinkya Rahane's plea to build a spin-friendly track.

 Following KKR's crushing defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the opening match of IPL 2025, Rahane stated his dissatisfaction with the pitch chosen for the game and hoped for a spin-friendly track at Eden Gardens.

"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 in any kind of wicked, and I am sure they are confident as well," Rahane was quoted as saying after the match.

However, Sujan Mukherjee, the curator at Eden Gardens, stated in an interview that he will not change anything for an IPL franchise. He also stated how RCB spinners got more turn that KKR spinners on the same surface.

"As per the IPL rules and regulations, franchises have no say over the pitch. 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.

Their (RCB) spinners took four wickets between them. What did the KKR spinners do? Krunal Pandya got three wickets. Suyash Sharma turned the ball to castle Andre Russell,” Mukherjee told RevSportz.

However, Mukherjee, who has received a lot of criticism for his remarks, now backtracked, claiming that he never declined any request from KKR.

"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 (the pitch will turn, and it will be good for batting)," Mukherjee told Sports Tak.

Mukherjee also insisted he has good relations with everyone at KKR, adding that the pitch was prepared as per the BCCI's guidelines.

"I never denied anything to KKR. We have been in good relations for a long time. I prepared the pitch as per BCCI guidelines. Those who are accusing me know nothing," he added.

Former New Zealand bowler Simon Doull slammed Mukherjee for dismissing KKR's request, saying the team should leave Eden Gardens if they don't get the surface they want.

After losing to RCB in their opener, KKR won their first game of the season on the road against the Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati.