Tensions flared at The Oval on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, just two days before the crucial fifth and final Test match between India and England, as Gautam Gambhir, the head coach of Team India, was involved in a heated exchange with Lee Fortis, the chief pitch curator. The altercation reportedly stemmed from a disagreement over the Indian team's access to the playing area.
According to reports, the incident occurred during India's first training session at The Oval after arriving in London on Monday. Sources indicate that Fortis questioned the presence of Indian players and coaches in a specific area of the ground, which led to a verbal confrontation with Gambhir.
Videos circulating online show Gambhir gesturing and confronting Fortis, with the coach heard stating emphatically, "You don't tell us what we need to do". The exact details of the exchange remain unclear, but it appears Gambhir took exception to the curator's remarks regarding the team's movements on the field. While neither the Indian team nor Surrey Cricket County has officially commented on the incident, the exchange highlights the high stakes and underlying tensions surrounding the highly anticipated Test match.
This incident follows closely on the heels of another controversy during the Old Trafford Test, where England captain Ben Stokes allegedly attempted to persuade Ravindra Jadeja to end the fourth Test prematurely. Stokes' proposition, purportedly aimed at safeguarding his key bowlers, was declined by the Indian team, with Jadeja and Washington Sundar nearing their centuries. India ultimately fought to secure a draw in that match.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Indian team management have yet to release an official statement regarding the altercation between Gambhir and the Oval curator. It remains to be seen whether this incident will have any impact on the pitch conditions or the overall atmosphere of the fifth Test. Some reports indicate that the Oval staff is considering filing a complaint against Gambhir, to which he reportedly responded, "Go report to whoever you want".
Earlier in June, Gambhir had communicated his expectations to the pitch curators at Beckenham County Ground, where India was preparing for the Test series. He emphasized the need for "a good pitch" that would genuinely aid in match preparation, avoiding extremes of being too flat or too green. He wanted realistic conditions, and not just batting drills. These requests led to adjustments in grass cover, net width, and length extensions, which received positive feedback.
