London, Jul 29 (PTI) - A heated exchange erupted at the Oval on Tuesday between India's head coach Gautam Gambhir and the venue's chief curator Lee Fortis. Tensions flared as Gambhir reportedly told Fortis, "you don't tell us what we need to do," while gesturing towards the ground staff.
The Oval is set to host the fifth and final Test between India and England starting Thursday. India is gearing up for the match after a remarkable comeback to draw the fourth Test in Manchester.
During a training session, videos circulated on social media captured the moment when Gambhir engaged in a verbal confrontation with Fortis. India's batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, intervened to calm the situation.
The disagreement began when Fortis remarked, "I will have to report this," prompting an irritable response from Gambhir: "You go and report whatever you want to report." Kotak then escorted Fortis away to assure him, "We won't damage anything."
Members of the Indian coaching staff, including bowling coach Morne Morkel and assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate, were seen attentively following the altercation.
The exact cause of the argument remains unclear, though it appeared to revolve around the practice pitch conditions.
Gambhir resumed criticism, asserting, "You can't tell us what to do. You are just one of the groundsmen, nothing beyond."
Gambhir and Fortis ultimately parted ways, with Gambhir returning to oversee team preparations.
As Fortis headed back to his office, he acknowledged the tense atmosphere, commenting, "It's a big game, and he (Gambhir) is a bit touchy."
In preparation for the Test, Sai Sudharsan, who scored both a half-century and a duck in the Manchester Test, was among the first to arrive for practice. Prominent players such as left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav and left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh were observed honing their skills under the supervision of coach Morkel.
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