The build-up to the fifth and final Test between India and England at The Oval took an unexpected twist when Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir got into a heated exchange with the ground’s pitch curator, Lee Fortis. According to a Times of India report, Gambhir was reportedly unhappy with the facilities provided to the Indian team just two days before the decider of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. What began as a polite conversation soon turned aggressive, with Gambhir pointing fingers and firmly saying, “You don’t tell us what to do.
The argument escalated to the point where batting coach Sitanshu Kotak had to step in and separate the two. Fortis then threatened to file an official complaint against Gambhir, but the former India opener was unfazed, replying, “You can go and report to whoever you want, but you can’t tell us what to do.” The matter became serious enough to involve the Indian team’s security head, and Kotak was later seen explaining the incident to the Surrey media manager.
It remains unclear what exactly triggered the confrontation. India trails the series 2-1 and is hoping to level it. A press conference later in the day may offer more clarity on the situation.
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