Gautam Gambhir in Heated Dispute with Oval Curator Ahead of Final Test

London, July 29 (PTI) – In a tension-filled episode at the Oval, India's head coach Gautam Gambhir clashed with the venue's chief curator, Lee Fortis, in a verbal dispute that has turned heads just ahead of the final Test between India and England, slated to begin Thursday. The incident unfolded as the Indian cricket team, fresh off a thrilling draw in Manchester, prepared for the upcoming game.

According to India's batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, the confrontation was triggered when Fortis insisted the Indian players maintain a distance of "2.5 metres from the wicket". Kotak remarked to the press, “Honestly, one of the ground staff came and instructed us to observe from outside the rope and inspect the pitch. It was unprecedented.” Despite the tension, Kotak assured reporters that no official complaint would be pursued. No complaint is needed for this, he stated.

Kotak emphasized the team’s cooperation, noting that they wore joggers rather than spikes, thus mitigating any risk to the pitch. “We were aware that working with the curator might be challenging. While being protective is understandable, it seemed excessive. But with joggers on, there was no threat.”

The heated exchange, which has since gained considerable attention on social media, showed Gambhir in a tense discussion with Fortis, before Kotak stepped in to calm the situation. The friction reportedly arose over the allocation and preparation of practice pitches. In response to Fortis's warning that he would report the incident, Gambhir retorted, You go and report whatever you want to report, before Kotak reassured, “We won’t damage anything.”

Other Indian coaching staff, including bowling coach Morne Morkel and assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate, observed the altercation with interest. Despite the lack of clarity on the precise cause of the disagreement, it was evident their argument centered on practice pitch conditions.

Gambhir emphatically told Fortis that his interference was unwarranted, saying, You can’t tell us what to do. You are just one of the groundsmen, nothing beyond. Afterward, they went their separate ways, Gambhir resuming his leadership over the team’s net session. Fortis, while returning to his post, commented, “It's a big game, and he (Gambhir) is a bit touchy.”

Elsewhere, Sai Sudharsan, who previously delivered mixed performances in Manchester, was the first to step onto the field for practice, alongside left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav and left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh, overseen closely by Morkel.

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