GT Official Joins IPL 2025 Pitch Controversy, Takes Dig at KKR
The ongoing row between IPL franchises and pitch curators has intensified, with Gujarat Titans (GT) COO Col. Arvinder Singh weighing in on the debate. Singh seemingly took a dig at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) while defending pitch curators, stating that teams should not demand specific pitches to gain home advantage. He emphasized that the rules clearly prohibit franchises from influencing pitch preparation, asserting that home advantage stems from familiarity with conditions rather than tailored surfaces.
“The home advantage comes from knowing your conditions better than the visiting team, not from asking for favorable pitches,” Singh remarked. “To say you need home advantage because you want a certain kind of pitch doesn’t hold water.”
The controversy originated at Eden Gardens when KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane requested a spin-friendly surface, leading to a heated exchange with curator Sujan Mukherjee, who refused to accommodate the demand. Similar disputes have arisen with LSG, CSK, and RCB, as teams criticized curators for failing to provide desired conditions.
RCB mentor Dinesh Karthik recently expressed displeasure over pitches at Chinnaswamy Stadium, while CSK coach Stephen Fleming lamented the lack of home advantage at Chepauk. The debate highlights growing tensions between franchises and curators over balancing neutrality and team preferences.