Just days before the crucial fifth Test match between India and England at The Oval, Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir got into a heated argument with Lee Fortis, the head pitch curator. The clash happened on Tuesday during India’s training session.
According to PTI, Fortis was reportedly upset that the Indian players were practising on a specific pitch that he did not approve of. Gambhir did not take this lightly and responded sharply, pointing fingers at Fortis in frustration. In a video shared by PTI, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak was also seen involved in the confrontation, defending the team’s choice of pitch for practice.
Gambhir’s Angry Response Sparks Controversy
The disagreement turned serious when Gautam Gambhir was heard repeatedly saying, “You don’t tell us what to do.” He went on to assert his authority further by adding, “You can’t tell any of us what to do. You are just a groundstaff.” This comment quickly spread across social media, with many debating whether Gambhir’s reaction was justified or not.
Following the heated exchange, Kotak took Lee Fortis aside and had a long conversation with him in a quieter part of the practice area. While things calmed down afterward, reports from TOI suggest that the Oval groundstaff may file an official complaint against Gambhir for his remarks and behavior.
Build-Up to the Deciding Test Match
After the brief altercation, both Gambhir and Fortis moved on, and the Indian team resumed their preparations. Gambhir returned to the nets to supervise the session.
Among the players, Sai Sudharsan was the first to arrive for practice. He had scored a half-century and a duck in the previous Test at Manchester. Kuldeep Yadav, the left-arm wrist spinner, was also seen working intensely during the session.
India trails 1-2 in the five-match Test series against England. The fifth and final Test at The Oval begins on Thursday, and the outcome will decide the series. India’s gritty performance in Manchester, where they batted for over five sessions to force a draw, has raised hopes.
Key players like Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar scored centuries in that game, showing great determination. The stage is now set for a thrilling finale, though the recent controversy has added unexpected drama to the build-up.
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