Tensions are working excessive forward of the decisive fifth Check between England and India at The Kia Oval, and the drama has already begun off the sector. Simply days earlier than the conflict, India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir was caught in a heated argument with Oval’s chief curator Lee Fortis, setting the stage for a charged sequence finale.
Gautam Gambhir engages in a heated trade with pitch curator
India’s head coach Gambhir was concerned in a fiery confrontation with The Oval’s chief curatorFortis forward of the fifth and last Check towards England, beginning on July 31. In a video that has now gone viral on social media, Gambhir was heard sternly saying, “You don’t inform us what we have to do,” whereas pointing his finger at Fortis.
The incident reportedly occurred throughout India’s first observe session on the venue. Gambhir, carefully observing his batters, appeared visibly agitated when Fortis tried to intervene or advise throughout the session. The previous India opener, who is thought for his no-nonsense angle, made it clear that he wouldn’t entertain any directions from the curator.
“Cease it, don’t inform us what we have to do. You’ve no proper to inform any of them (Indian gamers) what to do. You’re only a groundsman, nothing past that. You’ll be able to go and report back to whoever you need, however you cant’s inform us what to do,” mentioned Gambhir in a video shared by PTI.
Right here’s the video:
VIDEO | Indian group’s head coach Gautam Gambhir was seen having verbal spat with chief curator Lee Fortis at The Oval Cricket Floor in London forward of the final Check match of the sequence beginning Thursday.
After having drawn the fourth Check at Outdated Trafford, India have an opportunity… pic.twitter.com/hfjHOg9uPf
— Press Belief of India (@PTI_News) July 29, 2025
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Tensions brewing after Manchester drama
This confrontation comes on the again of rising tensions between the 2 sides after the drawn fourth Check in Manchester. Throughout the last hour of play, England skipper Ben Stokes provided India a handshake for a draw. Nonetheless, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar selected to maintain batting in pursuit of their particular person centuries. The choice angered Stokes, who was later seen exchanging phrases with Jadeja.
With the sequence presently stage, India will probably be decided to safe a win at The Oval, whereas England will look to capitalize on dwelling circumstances in what guarantees to be an exhilarating finale.
Additionally READ: Gautam Gambhir spills the beans on Jasprit Bumrah’s presence in India XI against England for the Oval Test