LONDON– India head coach Gautam Gambhir was involved in a heated altercation with The Oval’s pitch curator, Lee Fortis, during the team’s optional training session on Tuesday, just two days ahead of the decisive fifth Test against England.
The confrontation occurred during a nets session, where Gambhir was seen arguing with Fortis in what quickly escalated into a tense verbal exchange. India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak intervened, pulling Fortis away from the scene, while Gambhir, visibly frustrated, continued the argument from a distance.
Although the exact reason behind the disagreement remains unclear, the episode adds to the rising tensions in a series that has already been marked by several on-field controversies.
The current tour has been anything but smooth. Tensions first flared at Lord’s when India’s Shubman Gill expressed visible frustration after England openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett arrived nearly 90 seconds late for their second innings. The friction intensified during the fourth Test in Manchester, where England offered to call off play early as the match leaned toward a draw. Indian all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar declined, each pursuing personal milestones, which reportedly angered England captain Ben Stokes and his teammates, resulting in an on-field spat.
Despite the off-field drama, Gambhir has remained focused on the team’s objectives. Speaking at a reception hosted by the Indian High Commission in London on Monday, he reflected on the historic rivalry between India and England. “Touring this part of the world has always been exciting and challenging because of the history between the two countries, which can never be forgotten,” Gambhir said. “We have cherished every bit of support we have received every time we have toured the UK.”
England currently leads the five-match series 2-1. India salvaged a draw in the fourth Test at Old Trafford, thanks to a remarkable 203-run partnership between Jadeja and Sundar for the fifth wicket in the second innings.
The stage is now set for a high-stakes final Test at The Oval, which begins Thursday. (Source: IANS)
