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Gautam Gambhir had an ugly conversation with the Oval Pitch curator due to…
24htopnews | July 30, 2025 10:06 AM CST

New Delhi: Indias head coach Gautam Gambhir and Oval chief curator Lee Fortis got into a heated exchange two days ahead of the final Test of the series. Gambhir and Fortis had a verbal spat during Indias first practice session on Tuesday which saw batting coach Sitanshu Kotak intervene to pacify the situation. Why did Fortis express his displeasure? According to a PTI report Fortis said Its a big match and he (Gambir) is a bit sensitive. However when Indian journalists asked him to confirm on camera he said I dont want to say anything. He further said I dont have to feel anything about it. I dont even know him. What was the real reason for the argument? The incident took place during a practice session and a video has also surfaced on social media. It was reported that the argument was over the condition of the pitch or its use. Fortis told Gambhir I have to report it to which Gambhir replied You can report it to whoever you want. Gambhir also said You cant tell us what to do. You are just a groundsman nothing more than that. How did the coaching staff handle the matter? When the matter escalated batting coach Sitanshu Kotak calmed the matter down and assured Fortis We will not harm anything. Bowling coach Morne Morkel and assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate were also present during this time. Both the parties later separated and no official statement came. Sitanshu Kotak told the whole story In the press conference after the match Kotak said When we were looking at the pitch we were asked to stay 2.5 meters away. We were wearing joggers it was a bit strange. We know the curators are a bit overprotective. He further said When you talk to such talented people you should be polite. This is a cricket pitch not a 200-year-old historical object that will break if touched. Fifth Test and rising tension This heated debate between Gambhir and Fortis has further heated up the atmosphere before the fifth and decisive Test. England is leading 2-1 and India has made a comeback by winning the Manchester Test. In such a situation this controversy has become a topic of discussion before the decisive match.


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