India coach confronts Oval curator in a Test drama
Tensions rose before the fifth and final Test between India and England when India head coach Gautam Gambhir argued with The Oval’s head groundsman, Lee Fortis, during practice.
The video, now widely shared online, shows Gambhir pointing at Fortis and saying he had no right to tell the team what to do. This happened after the curator told Indian staff to stay 2.5 meters away from the pitch.
Fortis, a four-time England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) award winner known for strict pitch care, warned that he might file a complaint. Gambhir reportedly replied that he could report it to anyone he wanted.
India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said the argument started when a cooler was pushed close to the square, which triggered Fortis’ reaction. Kotak defended the team, saying they did not harm the surface. He criticised what he called an extreme level of care for the wicket, adding that it was 'a cricket pitch, not an antique'.
The clash divided fans, with some calling out Gambhir’s anger while others praised him for standing up for India’s training needs. Experts noted that pitch conditions often play a big role in the mental battle during key matches. With England ahead 2-1 in the series, this tense moment adds more drama to the final game at The Oval.
