Tensions have escalated ahead of the fifth and final Test match between India and England, as Indian team head coach Gautam Gambhir was involved in a verbal altercation with The Oval's chief pitch curator, Lee Fortis. The incident occurred on the eve of the crucial encounter set to begin Thursday in London.
According to reports, the exchange between Gambhir and Fortis grew noticeably tense. While the precise trigger for the spat remains unclear, it appears to have stemmed from differing views on pitch conditions and team access to specific areas during preparation.
Speaking to reporters, Lee Fortis downplayed the encounter, stating, “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.”
Gambhir has not issued a public statement about the incident. However, his animated presence and combative persona, well known from his playing days, have once again drawn attention.
India are currently trailing 2-1 in the five-match series after drawing the fourth Test at Old Trafford. With only one match left at The Oval, the visitors will be looking to level the series. The outcome of the final Test not only holds significance for the series but also has potential implications for both teams in the World Test Championship standings.
Controversy Brews As Indian Coach Gautam Gambhir Faces Possible Complaint From Oval Staff After Verbal Spat With Pitch Curator: Reports
Tensions flared off the field after the conclusion of the 4th Test between India and England at Old Trafford, with fresh controversy now emerging involving India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir. According to reports, staff members at The Oval have threatened to lodge a formal complaint against Gambhir over an alleged incident that reportedly took place during India’s training session at the venue.
The details of the confrontation remain unclear, but preliminary reports suggest that Gambhir may have had a heated exchange with the pitch curator during a pre-match practice session in the lead-up to the series finale. The staff are reportedly preparing to file a formal complaint if the matter is not addressed through internal channels.
Gambhir is known for his fiercely competitive and no-nonsense style, both as a player and now as a coach. While his approach has often been praised for instilling a winning mindset, it has occasionally drawn criticism for being confrontational.
Whether this incident escalates into a formal investigation remains to be seen. For now, it has added a fresh layer of drama to an already fiery Test series between two historic cricketing rivals.
