In a dramatic turn of events just two days before the final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, India head coach Gautam Gambhir was seen in a heated altercation with Lee Fortis, the chief curator at The Oval. The video of the incident has since gone viral across social media platforms, sparking widespread debate and drawing attention ahead of the high-stakes match.
Gambhir-Fortis Spat Over Pitch Access
The clash reportedly took place during India’s practice session on Tuesday. While the exact trigger remains unclear, eyewitnesses suggested that the argument was related to access to the practice pitches and the conditions being offered to the Indian team.
According to a PTI report, Gambhir strongly voiced his objection to the curator’s interference, saying, “You don’t tell us what we need to do.”
Things escalated when the Oval’s ground staff allegedly threatened to lodge a formal complaint against Gambhir. However, the former India opener and now coach remained unfazed, replying, “You can go and report to whoever you want, but you can’t tell us what to do!”
India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak later intervened, taking Fortis aside for a private discussion in one corner of the practice area. Eventually, both parties parted ways, and Gambhir resumed overseeing the Indian team’s net session.
Gambhir Focused on Final Test Battle
Despite the drama, Gambhir remains focused on the critical Test match. Speaking at a media interaction, he acknowledged the intensity of the series and the importance of the final match. “Both teams have thrown a lot of punches and have fought for every inch. We have got one more week to go, one final push to make and one more opportunity to make our country and people out here proud,” said Gambhir.
Series Marred by On-Field Tensions
The Gambhir-Fortis incident is the latest in a string of confrontations that have defined this fiercely contested Test series between India and England.
Tensions first flared at Lord’s, when Indian opener Shubman Gill showed visible frustration as England’s Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett arrived nearly 90 seconds late for their second innings.
In Manchester, tempers peaked when England proposed ending play early on a rain-hit day, sensing a draw. Indian all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar refused to walk off, both chasing individual milestones. Their defiance sparked a verbal spat with England skipper Ben Stokes and his teammates.
All Eyes on The Oval Finale
With the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy hanging in the balance, the tension is palpable. The Gambhir-Fortis episode adds yet another layer to an already heated series. Fans now eagerly await whether these off-field fireworks will translate into a fierce finale on the pitch.
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