England docked WTC points for slow over-rate in Lord's Test, slip to 3rd in standings
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Indian Express
3 hours ago
- Indian Express
‘I was never the villain, I was made into one': Oval pitch curator who irked Gautam Gambhir after epic India vs England encounter
India came back from a seemingly hopeless situation to win the Oval Test and draw the five-match series against England 2-2. It marked the end of a series that was filled with incidents. While most of it happened on the field, India head coach Gautam Gambhir's argument with Oval pitch curator Lee Fortis before the start of the fifth Test was easily the most prominent off-field flare-up over the course of the series. Gambhir firing angry words at Fortis is what went viral first and the Indian head coach received some criticism for his choice of words to describe the latter's profession. However, details later emerged about what it is that irked Gambhir so much and that led to Fortis being accused of favouring England at best and having a colonial mindset towards the Indians at worst. The track that Fortis and his ground staff prepared, and maintained admirably in a Test that was frequently interrupted by rain, coughed up a thriller, though, with India winning it by just six runs – their lowest margin of victory by runs in Test cricket. 'Well, I was never the villain, I was made into one,' Fortis is quoted as saying by PTI. 'Hope you guys enjoyed the show and the atmosphere was like the IPL. It was a great game.' Indian head coaches Gautam Gambhir and Sitanshu Kotak were asked by Fortis, through a messenger, to stay 2.5 metres away from the playing surface. He also shouted at the Indian support staff to not take a 'cooler' to the ground. Batting coach Kotak, who was close to the action and played the pacifier when an animated Gambhir was talking to Fortis, gave details about the net session altercation. 'When we went to see the pitch, we were asked by someone to keep a 2.5-metre distance. This was surprising. The Test would be in a few days and we were wearing joggers. So it felt a bit odd. We all have been on the ground enough, we have played so much cricket. Curators are possessive about the ground and the square but they need to understand that they are speaking to highly skilled and intelligent people.' Kotak said.
India Today
5 hours ago
- India Today
Will you stand up and greet Gautam Gambhir now? Sidhu slams India coach's critics
Former cricketer and commentator Navjot Singh Sidhu has hit back at critics of Gautam Gambhir, asking whether they would now "stand up and greet" the India head coach after the team's gutsy 2-2 draw in the recently concluded Test series in a strong-worded response on his YouTube channel, Sidhu praised Gambhir's conviction and belief in the team during a high-pressure tour that came in the immediate aftermath of the Test retirements of senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit do a lot of hero-worshipping. I want to say that whenever India plays even a little badly, anyone and everyone climbs on Gautam Gambhir and blames him. Will you stand up and greet him today?" Sidhu said, addressing those who had doubted Gambhir's credentials and leadership. India, under Gambhir's guidance, produced a stirring performance to hold England to a 2-2 draw, culminating in a memorable victory at The Oval. The result, earned after five fiercely-contested Tests, was seen as a reflection of India's evolving Test core and a triumph for the team's youth-led credited Gambhir for backing players like Akash Deep and Washington Sundar and for initiating a transition phase that many were sceptical about at the time. While there was criticism over not picking wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, Sidhu applauded Gambhir for standing by his decisions."It was Gautam Gambhir who insisted on this transition, who gave opportunities to guys like Akash Deep and Washington. Yes, Kuldeep was maybe a better option. But he had conviction. There will be scope for improvement today and tomorrow as well. But for someone who has been questioned and criticised so much, today give him the due that he deserves," he the boldness of the selections and the belief shown in young talent, Sidhu said Gambhir's philosophy has borne fruit. "There were many unknowns when the team went who had not made their name. Gambhir had said three to four big names are missing from the team but think of it as an opportunity for others to establish themselves. His words have proven to be true."Drawing parallels with famous overseas victories, Sidhu added, "Be it Brisbane, Perth, or England, history has been scripted by youngsters and it is a big thing."Gambhir had come into the series under pressure following a disappointing home whitewash at the hands of New Zealand and a tough tour of Australia. But with a renewed focus on long-term vision and youth, the team's resilience in England has sparked renewed confidence.- EndsYou May Also Like
News18
5 hours ago
- News18
Sidhu Attacks Gambhir's Critics After IND Vs ENG: 'Will You Stand Up And...'
Last Updated: Navjot Singh Sidhu praised coach Gautam Gambhir for his steadfastness during India's tough England tour, leading to a 2-2 draw. Sidhu urged critics to recognise Gambhir's success. Former India opener Navjot Singh Sidhu on Wednesday praised current head coach Gautam Gambhir for his steadfastness during the challenging England tour and questioned his critics if they would now acknowledge him for the 2-2 draw in the UK. India, who embarked on the tour shortly after the retirements of Test stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, played remarkable cricket across five fiercely contested Test matches to secure a commendable draw against England on their home turf. Reflecting on the result, achieved through a splendid victory in the series decider at the Oval, Sidhu noted that Gambhir also deserves recognition for the team's success. 'We do a lot of hero-worshipping. I want to say that whenever India plays even a little badly, anyone and everyone climbs on Gautam Gambhir and blames him. Will you stand up and greet him today?" Sidhu qas quoted as saying on his YouTube channel. Sidhu suggested that trying out wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav might have been beneficial but credited Gambhir for persisting with his approach despite criticism and for giving opportunities to younger players. 'It was Gautam Gambhir who insisted on this transition, who gave opportunities to guys like Akash Deep and Washington. Yes, Kuldeep was maybe a better option. But he had conviction. There will be scope for improvement today and tomorrow as well. But for someone who has been questioned and criticised so much, today give him the due that he deserves." Sidhu added: 'There were many unknowns when the team went who had not made their name. Gambhir had told three to four big names are missing from the team but think of it as an opportunity for others to establish themselves. 'His words have proven to be true. Be it Brisbane, Perth, or England, history has been scripted by youngsters and it is a big thing." Gambhir entered the England series under pressure following an unprecedented Test series whitewash at home to New Zealand and setbacks in Australia. Sidhu recalled how Gambhir had encouraged the youngsters before the tour to see it as a major opportunity to make a mark. (With inputs from PTI) view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
