Published on: Jul 31, 2025 4:20 pm IST|Updated on: Jul 31, 2025 4:22 pm IST
As Team India was prepping up for the fifth and final Test against England at The Oval in July 2025, a storm brewed, not over the pitch conditions, but over access to them. What began as a routine inspection escalated into a heated exchange between India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir and Oval’s chief curator Lee Fortis, sparking widespread debate about double standards, respect, and the invisible lines drawn in international cricket.
According to India’s assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak, the tension began wholesomely. As part of standard pre-match protocol, members of the Indian support staff approached the pitch to inspect its condition. However, they were met with an unexpected directive from Chief Curator Lee Fortis.
“When some of us coaches went to see the wicket, a member of the ground staff [asked us to] stay away at least 2.5 metres, which was a little surprising. Because it is the pitch, the match is starting day after, it will be a five-day Test, and we’re standing in our joggers, so we felt a little awkward,” Kotak said.
This seemingly minor instruction was perceived as disrespectful and inconsistent with how other teams, particularly England, had been treated in similar situations. A viral photo from the 2023 Ashes was making all the noise on social media of England coach Brendon McCullum casually inspecting the pitch with Fortis, with no objections raised.
Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir, known for his no-nonsense demeanor, reportedly confronted Fortis directly. Witnesses described Gambhir as visibly angry, telling Fortis:
“You don’t tell us what we need to do. You have no right to tell us. You’re just a groundsman, nothing beyond.”
I wish Gautam Gambhir says the same thing for the India judiciary who is destroying the life of Indian men in broad daylight."You are just a Groundsman.. Nothing more than that.. stay in your capacity"pic.twitter.com/L43gp4SwD7— StrugglesOfMen (SIFF) (@HRISHIKESH3390) July 30, 2025
I wish Gautam Gambhir says the same thing for the India judiciary who is destroying the life of Indian men in broad daylight."You are just a Groundsman.. Nothing more than that.. stay in your capacity"pic.twitter.com/L43gp4SwD7
— StrugglesOfMen (SIFF) (@HRISHIKESH3390) July 30, 2025
The confrontation escalated quickly, with Gambhir refusing to back down. Videos of the exchange circulated all over social media, showing him pointing fingers and raising his voice while Fortis attempted to defend his position.
The pitch inspection wasn’t the only flashpoint. Reports suggest that Fortis reprimanded Indian staff for bringing a small icebox near the nets, despite it being lightweight and far from the main pitch area. Kotak later elaborated:
“[If] somebody is trying to put something in the wicket or somebody wearing spikes, the curator feels that it is fine. But it was a very strange way of saying you go and stand two and a half meters away from here. So, I think that is what started. Because Gautam is someone who does not even speak unnecessary things. He does not talk to anyone.”
Kotak also highlighted the contrast in treatment compared to previous venues:
“Last four games we played, everywhere, wherever we go, all the curators when they talk, they even tell you when they are going to cut the grass, whether they are going to cut the grass. And if they do not want to give an answer, they will say, we will see [based] on the weather, we will see tomorrow. So, that is a good answer…”
Lee Fortis, who has been in charge of The Oval pitch since 2012, attempted to downplay the incident when speaking to reporters:
“It is quite a big game coming up. It is not my job to be happy with him (Gambhir) or not. I have never met him before today. You saw what he was like this morning. It’s okay, I’m fine. We have nothing to hide.”
Despite his calm public demeanor, Fortis reportedly considered filing a formal complaint against Gambhir.
The controversy has reignited conversations about how visiting teams, especially from the subcontinent, are treated in England. Many fans and former players questioned why McCullum was allowed to inspect the pitch closely in 2023, while Indian coaches were held back for far less.
Gambhir’s outburst, though intense, has been interpreted by some as a stand against perceived arrogance and unequal treatment. Others argue that both sides could have handled the situation with more diplomacy.
Indian captain Shubman Gill also addressed the issue, expressing confusion over the fuss:
“We have played four matches, and no one tried to stop us. Everyone has played so much cricket, and the coaches and the Captain have gone and seen the wicket so many times. I don’t know what the fuss was all about.”
While the cricketing world eagerly awaits the outcome of the fifth Test, the Gambhir-Fortis spat has added an unexpected layer of drama. Whether it was a case of miscommunication, cultural misunderstanding, or genuine disrespect, the incident underscores the importance of mutual respect and consistency in international sport.
Amid the settling of this dust, the two teams are currently locking horns at the iconic Oval Cricket Ground in London. Check out the playing XIs of both teams.
Playing XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (C), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Smith (WK), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, Josh Tongue
Playing XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (C), Karun Nair, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Washington Sundar, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj