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The build-up to the final Test between England and India at The Oval has been overshadowed by a heated altercation between India head coach Gautam Gambhir and Surrey’s head groundsman, Lee Fortis. During India’s training session on Tuesday, Fortis reportedly restricted the visitors from inspecting the pitch from close quarters, citing concerns about foot traffic and training equipment on the main square.
This led to a fiery exchange where Gambhir, visibly frustrated, was seen pointing his finger at Fortis and asserting that he was “just a groundsman.” The incident has since become a major talking point, adding an unexpected layer of tension before the high-stakes fifth Test.
Shubman Gill reacts to the controversy of Gautam Gambhir’s spat with pitch curator
India’s captain Shubman Gill has now weighed in on the matter, describing the episode as ‘absolutely unnecessary.’ Speaking on the eve of the Test, Gill expressed his surprise at the curator’s objection, emphasizing that such restrictions had not been imposed at any of the previous venues in the series.
“What happened yesterday, I thought was just absolutely unnecessary. We’ve been here for almost two months, and a coach has every right to inspect the wicket closely. None of the other venues—Headingley, Edgbaston, Lord’s, or Old Trafford—ever stopped us from doing so. I don’t know what the fuss was about,” said Gill at the pre-match presser.
Gill further dismissed the suggestion that the must-win situation for India could have triggered Gambhir’s reaction, stating “Not really. As long as you’re in rubber spikes or barefoot, it’s normal for captains and coaches to examine the wicket closely. That’s part of our preparation, and nothing unusual.”
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Leading from the front
Despite India trailing 2-1 in the series, Gill’s debut campaign as captain in overseas conditions has been nothing short of exceptional. The 25-year-old has emerged as the leading run-scorer of the series, amassing a staggering 722 runs in just four Tests at an average of 90.25, including four centuries.
Few would have predicted such dominance from Gill, who has not only anchored India’s batting but also impressed with his calm leadership under pressure. The upcoming Test at The Oval offers Gill an opportunity to level the series, a result that would be seen as a remarkable achievement in his first stint as captain.
As India prepares for the decisive clash, all eyes will be on Gill—both as a batter and a leader—while the Gambhir-Fortis spat continues to stir the pre-match atmosphere.
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