London, July 29, 2025: Just days before the fifth and final Test match between India and England, a fiery confrontation unfolded at The Oval Cricket Ground in London. Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir was seen in a heated verbal spat with Lee Fortis, the Oval’s chief pitch curator, during Team India’s training session.
The incident occurred as players and support staff were inspecting the pitch ahead of the crucial match starting July 31.
According to eyewitness reports and statements from batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, the dispute began when Fortis instructed the Indian contingent to maintain a 2.5-meter distance from the pitch. Kotak clarified, “We were wearing joggers, not spikes. It’s a pitch, not an antique. We did nothing wrong”.
Massive fight between head coach Gambhir and chief curator at The Oval
Gautam Ganbhir to Pitch Curator :"Go fuck off now..
Go report whoever you want go fuck off now
You don’t tell us what we need to do..
You’re just a ground staff..just a ground staff, nothing beyond that" pic.twitter.com/PcvqSayg3B
— LA PAUSA (@Mhaa__n) July 29, 2025
Gambhir vs Fortis: What Triggered the Oval Clash?
The tension escalated when Fortis allegedly yelled at Indian support staff retrieving an icebox near the square. Gambhir, known for his assertive demeanor, objected to the tone and reportedly told Fortis, “You don’t tell me what to do”. The Oval curator, known for being protective of the pitch, later described Gambhir as “a bit touchy”.
🚨 Gambhir vs Oval Curator issue
Oval Curator is one of the hard to deal curator in world ofcourse !!..
But do you feel Gambhir taking position of him again & again is bad ?!! pic.twitter.com/69kSw6DJ8K
— TheXReplier (@ReplySensei) July 29, 2025
Kotak was seen speaking to an ECB representative, attempting to mediate the situation. Despite the flare-up, Team India has opted not to lodge an official complaint, choosing instead to focus on preparations for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy decider, with England leading the series 2–14.
Oval Pitch Politics: A Pattern of Friction?
This isn’t the first time Fortis has clashed with visiting teams. His strict pitch protocols have previously led to similar disputes. Kotak remarked, “You can be protective, but not arrogant. People are skilled enough to respect the surface without damaging it”.
With the final Test looming, all eyes are now on how the pitch will behave—and whether the off-field drama will spill into match day.
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