Veteran commentator Harsha Bhogle has firmly rejected speculation that he missed Monday’s IPL 2025 clash between Kolkata Knight Riders and Gujarat Titans due to a formal complaint from the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB). His clarification comes after media reports surfaced about a letter sent by CAB to the BCCI, seeking Bhogle and fellow commentator Simon Doull’s removal for comments about the Eden Gardens pitch. “There are some inappropriate conclusions being drawn about why I wasn't at yesterday's game in Kolkata. Quite simply, it wasn't on the list of matches I was down to do!” Bhogle posted on X. “Asking me would have resolved the issue. Rosters are done before the tournament starts. I was rostered for two games in Kolkata. I was there for the first and an illness in the family prevented me from being at the 2nd,” he added, clarifying that his absence had nothing to do with the CAB’s letter. The letter from CAB, signed by secretary Naresh Ojha and sent nearly ten days ago, reportedly urged the BCCI to act against Bhogle and Doull for what it termed “unfair” criticism of the Eden Gardens pitch. The KKR team management has been vocal about their desire for a more spin-friendly surface at their home ground. There are some inappropriate conclusions being drawn about why I wasn't at yesterday's game in Kolkata. Quite simply, it wasn't on the list of matches I was down to do! Asking me would have resolved the issue. Rosters are done before the tournament starts. I was rostered for two… — Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) April 22, 2025 Eden Gardens pitch controversy Following KKR’s 39-run loss to the Gujarat Titans at Eden Gardens, the pitch debate has escalated once again. Earlier, both KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane and head coach Chandrakant Pandit had spoken about the need for surfaces that support their spin-heavy attack comprising Varun Chakravarthy, Sunil Narine, and Moeen Ali. Doull had earlier suggested that KKR “might as well look for a new home ground” if Eden Gardens cannot deliver pitches tailored to their strengths. Meanwhile, Bhogle had stated that “KKR deserved to have home advantage,” adding context to his remarks about pitch behaviour in Kolkata. Also READ: ‘Even a kid would say match was fixed’: RR face match-fixing storm Despite the pressure, the CAB has backed senior curator Sujan Mukherjee and dismissed the need for changes. However, Bhogle’s absence from the recent game was unrelated to the controversy, but the resurfacing of the CAB’s letter reignited online chatter, prompting the commentator to publicly clear the air. KKR, who are currently in the seventh spot in the points table, will return to action on April 26, where they will take on Punjab Kings, once again at home.