On Tuesday morning, India head coach Gautam Gambhir was involved in a fiery altercation with The Oval’s chief curator, Lee Fortis, during the team’s training session before the fifth and final Test against England. The incident occurred when Fortis reportedly instructed the Indian contingent to keep their distance from a particular practice area, leading to a sharp exchange.
Eyewitnesses described Gambhir storming towards Fortis, raising his voice, and shouting, “You don’t tell us what to do,” and, “You are just a groundsman, stay in your capacity.” The heated words, caught on camera, quickly became a talking point ahead of the series decider. At one point, Fortis allegedly threatened to report the confrontation, prompting Gambhir to respond defiantly, “Go and report to whoever you want, but you can’t tell us what to do.”
Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak stepped in to diffuse the situation, intervening between the two men and assuring the curator that the team would not cause any damage to the prepared surfaces. Kotak later explained that the situation escalated after the ground staff ordered the players to stand two and a half metres away while they were inspecting the pitch, which felt unnecessary to the team management.
Fortis, speaking after the clash, attempted to downplay the matter, saying, “It’s a big game, and he is a bit touchy.” He added that it was not his job to have an opinion on Gambhir’s reaction and noted that it was their first meeting.
The confrontation highlights the intense atmosphere surrounding the India–England series, which has already seen high emotions both on and off the field. With England holding a 2–1 lead and the final Test carrying enormous stakes, every detail of preparation is under scrutiny, making tempers more likely to flare.
For Gambhir, the incident underscores his reputation as a fiercely competitive figure who is quick to defend his team’s interests. For India, it reflects the determination to control every aspect of their preparation as they chase a series-leveling win on English soil. While the matter was quickly de-escalated, it adds another layer of drama to an already gripping contest and sets the tone for a high-pressure finale at The Oval.