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IND vs ENG: Gautam Gambhir fight with Oval pitch curator - WATCH VIDEO

Gautam Gambhir was involved in a heated verbal exchange with the pitch curator at The Oval
Gautam Gambhir was involved in a heated verbal exchange with the pitch curator at The Oval (Credits: X)

According to recent reports, India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir was involved in a heated verbal exchange with the pitch curator at The Oval in London. The incident took place during India’s optional training session at the iconic stadium, which is hosting the crucial fifth Test of the series. Sources say that Gambhir expressed his dissatisfaction with the condition of the pitch, raising concerns about its suitability for fair play. The curator, responsible for preparing and maintaining the pitch, responded to Gambhir’s remarks, leading to a tense back-and-forth between the two. Although details of the conversation remain private, it is understood that Gambhir was firm in his criticism, emphasizing the importance of a balanced surface that offers something for both batsmen and bowlers.

India vs England: Gautam Gambhir involved in a verbal spat with Oval pitch curator - WATCH VIDEO

The Oval pitch has always been under scrutiny in high-profile matches, with teams keen to ensure it provides an equitable contest. Gambhir’s outspoken nature and passion for the game might have fueled the intensity of the exchange. Despite the confrontation, both parties are expected to maintain professionalism as the match approaches, understanding the significance of the Test in the ongoing series. The incident has drawn attention from cricket fans and experts, sparking debates about pitch preparations and fairness in international cricket.

"You are just a groundsman here," India's head coach Gautam Gambhir told Lee Fortis.

The altercation between India head coach Gautam Gambhir and the pitch curator at The Oval reportedly took place near the practice nets, where players were in the process of marking their run-up areas during an optional training session. Tensions escalated when Gambhir noticed something about the pitch conditions that did not sit well with him. He engaged in a heated exchange with the curator, identified as Fortis, voicing his displeasure over the surface's preparation ahead of the crucial India vs England fifth Test.

As the argument grew louder, India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak intervened swiftly to prevent the situation from spiraling further. Kotak stepped in between the two, urging calm and physically escorting the curator away from the nets area. Despite Kotak’s efforts, Gambhir continued to express his frustration, reportedly shouting after the curator even as he was being led away.

Witnesses described the scene as tense but under control, with players watching on while continuing their warm-up routines for the upcoming matches. The incident has sparked further discussion about pitch conditions in high-stakes Test matches and whether visiting teams get equal preparation conditions. While no official statement has been made yet by the BCCI or the ECB, the confrontation highlights Gambhir’s fiery leadership style and his no-nonsense approach ahead of a series-defining clash.

Team India held an optional practice session at The Oval on Tuesday as they began preparations for the crucial fifth and final Test against England. The squad arrived in London on Monday following their gritty and hard-fought draw in the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester — a result that kept the series alive. After landing in the city, the team made a special appearance at the Indian High Commission, where they were welcomed and applauded for their resilience throughout the series.

At the event, head coach Gautam Gambhir delivered a passionate and fiery speech, commending the players for their determination and grit in challenging conditions. He praised the team's spirit and work ethic, particularly after bouncing back from a precarious situation in Manchester. Gambhir’s words reportedly energized the dressing room ahead of the must-win clash at The Oval, where India will aim to level the series and lift the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.

Author Kuljyot Singh
Kuljyot Singh

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