Tensions are running high ahead of the fifth and final Test between England and India, with the series poised at 2-1. Adding fuel to the fire, India's head coach Gautam Gambhir was involved in a heated exchange with the Oval's pitch curator, Lee Fortis, during a practice session. The incident has sparked considerable debate and raised concerns about its potential impact on the crucial Test match.
The confrontation reportedly arose from a disagreement regarding the Indian team's use of the pitch and the areas they were permitted to access. According to reports, Fortis objected to the Indians conducting throw-downs on the square area. Some accounts suggest that Fortis was unhappy with the Indian team being near the main square during their training session. It's understood that Fortis was being protective of the pitch, with plenty of cricket still to be played at the ground this season.
India's batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, revealed that the curator had asked the Indian team to stay 2.5 meters away from the wicket, which he found surprising, especially since they were wearing joggers and not spikes. Kotak also mentioned that the curator yelled at the support staff when they were getting an ice box. Gambhir apparently objected to the way Fortis spoke to the support staff. Kotak later intervened to diffuse the situation by pulling Fortis away, while Gambhir continued to express his displeasure.
Video footage captured Gambhir pointing his finger at Fortis, asserting, "You can go and report to whoever you want, but you can't tell us what to do. You don't tell us what to do, you're just a groundsman". Gambhir was also heard using expletives. Fortis, for his part, attempted to downplay the incident, stating that there was nothing to hide and that he had never met Gambhir before. He also added that Gambhir was a "bit touchy!". When reporters pressed him for details, Fortis said, "You saw what he was like this morning".
The incident has drawn mixed reactions. Some observers believe that Fortis was being overly protective and perhaps a bit arrogant. Others suggest that Gambhir's reaction was unwarranted, especially given his position as the head coach. There are reports that the Oval curator isn't the easiest person to deal with. Despite the heated exchange, Kotak clarified that the Indian team would not be filing any official complaint against the curator.
The timing of the incident, just days before a crucial Test match, has raised concerns that it could further escalate tensions between the two teams. Some fear that it might negatively impact the Indian team's mindset and performance. However, others believe that the team will be able to put the incident behind them and focus on the task at hand.
Whether this controversy will fire up the Indian team to perform better or distract them remains to be seen. All eyes will be on the fifth Test at the Oval on July 31 to see how these events unfold.
