Gautam Gambhir news: The upcoming series-deciding Test between India and England has taken an unexpected turn after India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir was involved in a verbal spat with The Oval’s chief curator, Lee Fortis. The confrontation occurred just two days before the crucial match and reportedly centered on the access granted to the Indian team in specific areas of the ground.
Although Surrey County Cricket Club, the host, has not issued an official statement, footage from Indian media showed Gambhir exchanging angry words with Fortis.
“It Felt a Little Awkward”
India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak shed light on what might have triggered the dispute. “When we had gone to check out the wicket, they sent a staff member to order us to stand two and a half metres away. We were wearing joggers and standing there. It felt a little awkward,” Kotak said.
In another clip that surfaced online, Gambhir was seen pointing a finger at Fortis and shouting, “You don’t tell us what we need to do.” The fiery exchange has added a new layer of drama to an already tense series finale.
Context of Previous Tensions
This clash follows a recent controversy in Manchester, where England captain Ben Stokes allegedly urged Indian players, including Ravindra Jadeja, to agree to end the fourth Test early. The Indian side refused, with Jadeja and Washington Sundar on the verge of scoring centuries. India fought back valiantly in that match to secure a draw against England.
India arrived in London on Monday and held their first training session at The Oval on Tuesday. With England leading the series 2-1, the fifth Test will be decisive for the coveted Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. A win for Shubman Gill’s team would level the series and set up a thrilling finish.