India head coach Gautam Gambhir was involved in a verbal argument with Oval’s chief curator Lee Fortis on Tuesday, just two days before the fifth and final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. The incident occurred during India’s training session as both parties exchanged strong words near the pitch area at The Oval in London.

Gautam Gambhir heated exchange over pitch access

According to India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, the confrontation began after the ground staff asked the Indian team to maintain a distance of 2.5 metres from the pitch.

“Honestly, one of ground staff came and said (that we were required to) stand 2.5 metre from the wicket and 'go outside the rope and see the wicket'. I have never seen something like that,” Kotak told the media.

Kotak clarified that the Indian team has decided not to file any complaint. “No complaint is needed for this,” he said.

Social media questions Oval curator's 'double standards'

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra shared a photo on social media showing curator Fortis on the pitch with England coach Brendon McCullum during the 2023 Ashes, questioning the difference in treatment.

“2023, Ashes contest. 48 hours before the match the same Oval curator can be seen standing on the pitch with England coach Brendon McCullum. Different rules for different people?” Chopra wrote on X.

The incident has triggered a wave of posts on social media, with some users accusing the Oval staff of following different standards for different teams.

Kotak intervenes to calm situation

Videos from the session showed Gambhir responding sharply to Fortis, who had reportedly warned the Indian staff about placing equipment on the pitch.

“I will have to report this,” Fortis said, to which Gambhir replied, “You go and report whatever you want to report.” Kotak then stepped in, moved Fortis aside and told him, “We won’t damage anything.”

Kotak added that the Indian squad was not wearing spiked footwear. “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.

Gambhir confronts curator over instructions

During the exchange, Gambhir reportedly told Fortis, “You can’t tell us what to do. You are just one of the groundsmen, nothing beyond.”

Both men later moved away. Fortis, while returning from the field, said: “It’s a big game, and he (Gambhir) is a bit touchy.”

India begin training for series finale

The Indian team resumed training at The Oval after drawing the fourth Test in Manchester to level the series. Batter Sai Sudharsan was among the first to arrive at the ground. Left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav and pacer Arshdeep Singh also took part in the session under the guidance of bowling coach Morne Morkel.

The fifth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy begins Thursday at The Oval.