Kolkata Knight Riders’ head coach has stated that the team is prepared to play on any pitch they are provided with, though they naturally expect conditions to favor them during home games. His remarks come as discussions continue over the Eden Gardens pitch curator’s comments following the opening game of IPL 2025.
The debate around Kolkata’s home pitch has intensified ever since skipper Ajinkya Rahane expressed his desire for more assistance for spinners at Eden Gardens. The venue’s pitch curator had made a strong statement after the match, asserting that he would not alter the nature of the pitch as long as he remained in charge, which sparked widespread criticism.
“As a coach, as a team management, we always… whatever the surface has been provided to us, we play. The control, of course, that will be under curator,” Pandit said while addressing the media ahead of their upcoming clash against Mumbai Indians.
Pandit refrained from making definitive statements on the subject but emphasized that every team, including Kolkata, prefers pitches that complement their strengths.
“At this moment, my focus is going to be in the next game tomorrow which we are playing. At the moment, I am not thinking on what has to be done, what is in whose control,” Pandit said.
“I don’t know what is the system in different states or different grounds where the control is over the franchise. But, at the moment, what I understand is the surface which is given to us, probably, of course, as team management, as a coach, as a captain, we expect something to be provided,” Pandit added.
When asked if IPL teams should receive more favorable pitches at their home venues for their seven home league games, Pandit responded, “Who will not be happy about that? I mean, this is a simple answer.”
Meanwhile, heated exchanges have continued against curator Sujan Mukherjee, who has not shied away from defending his stance in response to the criticism.
