ENG vs IND, 5th Test: Gautam Gambhir and Oval curator involve in heated exchange of words
The incident happened mid-way into India's optional training session when Fortis, a seasoned curator, could be seen in an argument with the Indian coach, who was visibly upset.
As India's players, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak and bowling coach Morne Morkel gathered around Gambhir, he could be heard telling Fortis, 'You can't tell us what to do, you are just a groundsman and nothing beyond…'
Gautam Gambhir got into a heated exchange with the curator at The Oval. Later, Sitanshu Kotak stepped in and also had a word with the curator. @sportstarwebpic.twitter.com/nWK8OF0Aji — Shayan Acharya (@ShayanAcharya) July 29, 2025
Kotak had to step in and take Fortis aside, and the two could be seen having a long conversation. As the news broke out, members of the Indian contingent and the ECB officials rushed to the scene and there were rounds of discussions, with Kotak joining them as well.
Though there was no official word from the Indian camp, Fortis told the media that Gambhir was 'a bit touchy' and refused to reveal further, saying: 'You saw what happened…'
After the incident, Gambhir returned to oversee the net session. Later he had discussions with the BCCI's chairman of the selection committee, Ajit Agarkar.
Menwhile, Fortis had chats with the Surrey and the ECB representatives.
The Oval will host the fifth and final Test between India and England from Thursday
More to follow…
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