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During the optional practice at The Kennington Oval, London, India head coach Gautam Gambhir was involved in a heated exchange with pitch curator Lee Fortis. India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak who intervened, revealed to the media what transpired during the practice session. Kotak revealed that the pitch curator yelled at the Indian support staff which irked Gambhir and led to the altercation.
“When we were looking at pitch, they asked us to stand 2.5m away. We were wearing joggers. It was very odd. There is nothing wrong with looking at wicket wearing rubber spikes. Curators should understand they're dealing with highly qualified personnel. This is a pitch and it's understandable that they're protective about it but it's not some antique piece. They were talking about growing some grass beside the main pitch. I don't know how much grass they will grow in these two days.,” Kotak told the reporters.
"Curator yelled at support staff when they were getting ice box. Gambhir objected at that. The way he spoke irked Gambhir. Everyone knows curator at The Oval is not the easiest person to deal with," he added.
Following the incident, India will not lodge an official complaint.
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What did Gambhir say to pitch curator?
"You can't tell us what to do. You can go and report to whoever you want, but you can't tell us what to do. You are just a groundsman, nothing beyond that," Gambhir was heard telling Fortis.
India eye win at The Oval
Meanwhile, India will look to level the five-Test series after pulling off a draw at The Old Trafford, Manchester. A win will help India move to the third spot on the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 points table. Currently, there are placed fourth with one 16 points from four games.
“Last five weeks have been really exciting for both countries with the kind of cricket that has been on display, which I’m sure has made every cricket lover proud,” Gambhir said during an event Team India attended at the Indian High Commission.
With Rishabh Pant ruled out of the fifth Test due to a toe injury, it is yet to be seen whether Dhruv Jurel gets the nod or Narayan Jagadeesan makes his Test debut.
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