The situation quickly escalated before Sitanshu Kotak intervened to de-escalate tensions. Kotak was seen calmly taking Fortis aside for a more private discussion at the edge of the practice area. After a prolonged conversation between the two, the curator and Gambhir went their separate ways, allowing the Indian camp to resume their nets
The situation quickly escalated before batting coach Sitanshu Kotak intervened to de-escalate tensions (Photo: Screengrab/PTI)
India head coach Gautam Gambhir found himself at the centre of an on-field confrontation on Tuesday, engaging in a tense verbal exchange with Lee Fortis, the Oval's chief curator during India’s training session ahead of the fifth and final Test against England, scheduled to begin Thursday at The Oval.
According to viral videos circulating on social media, Gambhir appeared visibly agitated during the altercation, reportedly pointing fingers at members of the groundstaff while telling Fortis, “You don’t tell us what we need to do.” While the exact reason for the disagreement is not confirmed, sources quoted by news agency PTI indicate that it was likely related to the condition of the practice pitches.
VIDEO | Indian team's head coach Gautam Gambhir was seen having verbal spat with chief curator Lee Fortis at The Oval Cricket Ground in London ahead of the last Test match of the series starting Thursday.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 29, 2025
After having drawn the fourth Test at Old Trafford, India have a chance… pic.twitter.com/hfjHOg9uPf
#WATCH | London, UK: Lee Fortis, Oval Pitch Curator says, "It is quite a big game coming up. It is not my job to be happy with him (Gautam Gambhir) or not. I have never met him before today. You saw what he was like this morning. It's okay, I am fine. We have nothing to hide..." https://t.co/3K5jjnpTiw pic.twitter.com/FQ8LuDYjQM
— ANI (@ANI) July 29, 2025
The situation quickly escalated before batting coach Sitanshu Kotak intervened to de-escalate tensions. Kotak was seen calmly taking Fortis aside for a more private discussion at the edge of the practice area. After a prolonged conversation between the two, the curator and Gambhir went their separate ways, allowing the Indian camp to resume their net session without further disruption.
The incident comes just days after India staged a remarkable comeback to draw the fourth Test in Manchester, levelling the series and building momentum ahead of the decider. With the stakes high, the team management appears keen on ensuring ideal preparation, including appropriate pitch conditions for practice.
Despite the morning’s drama, the Indian squad appeared focused during their training session. Young left-handed batter Sai Sudharsan, who impressed with a gritty half-century followed by a low score in the Manchester Test, was the first to arrive at the nets. His early appearance reflects both his commitment and the team’s desire to fine-tune their preparations ahead of the crucial match.
Also putting in an intense session was left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who has emerged as a key component of India’s bowling unit in English conditions. His extended practice suggests he may have a strategic role to play in the final Test, particularly given the unpredictable nature of the Oval surface.
While tempers flared briefly in the lead-up, the Indian camp seems determined to maintain its focus on clinching the series. With just days remaining before the decider, all eyes will be on how the pitch conditions evolve, and whether the earlier confrontation has any lasting impact on proceedings.
(With PTI inputs)
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