What triggered Gautam Gambhir at Oval? Batting coach breaks silence
What's the story
The iconic Kennington Oval saw a verbal spat erupt between India's head coach Gautam Gambhir and pitch curator Lee Fortis on July 29. The incident occurred ahead of the 5th and final Test between England and India scheduled on this ground in London. During the altercation, Gambhir was heard saying "You are just a groundsman here" to Fortis in an aggressive tone. Indian batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has finally broken the silence over this matter.
Defense
Gambhir takes on Fortis at Oval
It is understood that Fortis was unhappy with the Indian players using the main square for their training session. He is believed to have expressed his discontent over players and coaches standing close to the pitch. The incident angered Gambhir, who is known for defending his players. He objected to Fortis's behavior, saying, "You cannot talk to my players like that." Kotak, while speaking to the reporters, said the players were asked to stand "2.5 meters from the wicket."
Critique
'Not the easiest person to work with'
Kotak added the Indian contingent members were not sporting spikes at that time. "Before this game, we had an idea that the curator is not the easiest person to work with. Being possessive is good but no so much. We had joggers on (and) not spikes so there was no danger," he said. Kotak highlighted how the Indian players were told to "go outside the rope and see the wicket."
Escalation
How the matter escalated
According to PTI, it all started when Fortis told Gambhir that he will have to "report this." The latter replied by saying, "You go and report whatever you want to." After Kotak stepped in to defuse things, Gambhir yet again told Fortis, "You can't tell us what to do. You are just one of the groundsmen, nothing beyond." Speaking to the reporters after a while, Fortis said, "It's a big game, and he (Gambhir) is a bit touchy."
Twitter Post
WATCH: Gambhir irked by Fortis
VIDEO | Indian team's head coach Gautam Gambhir was seen having verbal spat with chief curator Lee Fortis at The Oval Cricket Ground in London ahead of the last Test match of the series starting Thursday.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 29, 2025
After having drawn the fourth Test at Old Trafford, India have a chance… pic.twitter.com/hfjHOg9uPf
Series
England lead five-match series 2-1
As mentioned, England and India are set to lock horns in the 5th and final Test at The Oval, starting July 31. The visitors earned a hard-fought draw on Day 5 of the Old Trafford Test, though England lead the series 2-1. The Ben Stokes-led English side won the series opener at Headingley. India bounced back at Edgbaston before suffering a narrow defeat at Lord's.