Eden curator Mukherjee to visit venue 'till alive'

The India-Pakistan One-dayer to be played in Kolkata on Thursday might be seen as Prabir Mukherjee's last as Eden Gardens curator, but the 83-year-old said he would remain associated with the historical venue as long as he's alive.

"No quitting... I'll be here as long as my health permits, and I'm alive," Mukherjee.

Mukherjee had drawn a lot of flak after his differences with India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni irked Board supremo N Srinivasan who reportedly wanted the veteran curator to remove for not "falling in the line".

But Mukherjee is now a relieved man as there is no diktat for home and away conditions during a One-dayer and he's happy to prepare batting-friendly 22-yard.

"In One-dayers, ICC has clearly laid out rules that wickets should have even bounce with no lateral movement and spin assistance."

"It's a batsmen-oriented game. And we make the pitches in accordance with that," Mukherjee said even as there appeared a tinge of grass on the strip, which is likely to be mowed down before the match begins.

Mukherjee said the team batting first would have an advantage.

"They will get the fresh wicket and will be in a good position to put up a big score," Mukherjee said.

Mukherjee further exuded caution about the dew factor.

"In these parts, the moment the sun sets dew start settling in. Anti-dew sprays will be used but still there will be a bit of dew."

Going by the looks of it, it appears a 250-plus wicket. India had posted 271, defeating England by 95 runs, in the last ODI played here on October 25, 2011.

Down 0-1 in the three match series against arch-rivals Pakistan, India must win the Eden One-dayer to keep their hopes alive.

The third and final One-dayer will be held in New Delhi on January 6.

Photograph: BCCI