India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir found himself in the middle of controversy ahead of the fifth and final Test against England at The Oval, following a heated exchange with the venue’s chief curator, Lee Fortis. The incident, captured on video and circulated widely on July 29, could become a pivotal moment in the series, potentially igniting a charged-up Indian side aiming to level the series.
Gambhir vs. Groundsman: Tension Spills Over at The Oval
In the now-viral footage, Gambhir is seen confronting Fortis on the pitch. The Indian coach can be heard angrily telling the groundsman, “Don’t tell us what to do,” before escalating with a sharp “f**k off.” The altercation grew more intense when Fortis, visibly agitated, warned Gambhir that he would report the incident to the match referee.
The exact reason behind the altercation hasn’t been officially disclosed, but it is believed to be related to pitch conditions or last-minute ground preparations. The clash adds another layer of intensity to an already fiercely contested series.
R Ashwin Backs Team India to Channel the Fire
Former India off-spinner R Ashwin weighed in on the controversy through his YouTube channel, suggesting that the incident could actually benefit India by mentally firing up the team ahead of the crucial match.
Ashwin drew a powerful comparison to the 2021 Sydney Test, where India defied the odds to secure a draw against Australia despite being under immense pressure. “When adversity is against the Indian team, somebody will rise up. When we are pushed against the wall, the Indian team becomes a different kettle of fish. It becomes a different beast,” he said.
He also referenced the dramatic end to the fourth Test in Manchester, where England skipper Ben Stokes appeared frustrated after Indian batters declined to shake hands and chose to bat on, despite the match heading towards a draw. The tension has clearly been building over the last few games.
A Series on the Edge
The five-match Test series currently sees England leading 2-1. With the final Test starting July 31 at The Oval, a win for India will level the series 2-2, ending it on even terms. While Ashwin acknowledges that England could still outperform India, he believes the current emotional intensity and confrontational moments could serve as an unexpected motivator for the Men in Blue.
Only time will tell whether the Oval spat and growing on-field tensions turn out to be the spark India needs—or if it ends up being a footnote in an England series victory.
