![ENG vs IND [WATCH]: “Don’t tell us what to do”: Gautam Gambhir loses his cool at pitch curator ahead of the Oval Test](https://crickettimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Gautam-Gambhir-engages-in-a-heated-exchange-with-pitch-curator.webp "ENG vs IND [WATCH]: “Don’t tell us what to do”: Gautam Gambhir loses his cool at pitch curator ahead of the Oval Test")
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Tensions are running high ahead of the decisive fifth Test between England and India at The Kia Oval, and the drama has already begun off the field. Just days before the clash, India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir was caught in a heated argument with Oval’s chief curator Lee Fortis, setting the stage for a charged series finale.
Gautam Gambhir engages in a heated exchange with pitch curator
India’s head coach Gambhir was involved in a fiery confrontation with The Oval’s chief curatorFortis ahead of the fifth and final Test against England, starting on July 31. In a video that has now gone viral on social media, Gambhir was heard sternly saying, “You don’t tell us what we need to do,” while pointing his finger at Fortis.
The incident reportedly took place during India’s first practice session at the venue. Gambhir, closely observing his batters, appeared visibly agitated when Fortis tried to intervene or advise during the session. The former India opener, who is known for his no-nonsense attitude, made it clear that he would not entertain any instructions from the curator.
“Stop it, don’t tell us what we need to do. You’ve no right to tell any of them (Indian players) what to do. You are just a groundsman, nothing beyond that. You can go and report to whoever you want, but you cant’s tell us what to do,” said Gambhir in a video shared by PTI.
Here’s the video:
VIDEO | Indian team's head coach Gautam Gambhir was seen having verbal spat with chief curator Lee Fortis at The Oval Cricket Ground in London ahead of the last Test match of the series starting Thursday.
After having drawn the fourth Test at Old Trafford, India have a chance… pic.twitter.com/hfjHOg9uPf
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 29, 2025
Tensions brewing after Manchester drama
This confrontation comes on the back of growing tensions between the two sides after the drawn fourth Test in Manchester. During the final hour of play, England skipper Ben Stokes offered India a handshake for a draw. However, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar chose to keep batting in pursuit of their individual centuries. The decision angered Stokes, who was later seen exchanging words with Jadeja.
With the series currently level, India will be determined to secure a win at The Oval, while England will look to capitalize on home conditions in what promises to be a thrilling finale.
