As India gears up for the decisive 5th Test against England at The Oval, a fiery exchange between India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir and Surrey’s head ground staff Lee Fortis has sparked fresh tension — this time off the field.
What Happened:
- Pitch Visit Turns Heated:
Gambhir reportedly raised his finger and exchanged sharp words with Fortis after being told to maintain a 2.5-meter distance from the pitch during inspection. - “Don’t Tell Me What To Do”:
According to media reports, Gambhir sternly told Fortis not to instruct him on what to do, escalating the situation briefly.
Key Points from the Incident:
Coaches Surprised by Restrictions
- Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said the team was only inspecting the surface, wearing joggers.
- “We know curators are overprotective, but this is a cricket pitch — not an antique,” he remarked.
Ground Staff Stance
- Fortis played down the issue, saying: “There’s nothing more to add … we have nothing to hide here.”
- Surrey County Club declined to comment further.
No Surface Damage
- Kotak confirmed that players were careful not to damage the pitch during practice.
Backdrop of a Heated Series
- The incident comes amidst a high-stakes finale, with England leading the series 2-1.
- India needs a win at The Oval to level the series 2-2.
- On-field competitiveness has spilled over into off-field friction between teams and support staff.
Bottom Line:In a series already brimming with drama, the Gambhir-Fortis spat adds another layer of intensity. With India fighting to square the series, the final Test promises not just cricketing action, but plenty of fire from both camps — even before the first ball is bowled.