The build-up to the highly anticipated fifth and final Test between India and England at The Oval has taken a dramatic turn. A heated altercation between India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir and pitch curator Lee Fortis erupted on Tuesday during India’s practice session and the confrontation stemmed from a dispute over pitch access and practice conditions, drawing significant attention just before the decisive match.
With India trailing 2-1 in the series, emotions are already running high this incident has only added fuel to the fire, setting the stage for an explosive finale.
Gambhir Loses Cool During Practice
Witnesses reported Gambhir visibly upset as he pointed towards Fortis, raising his voice. He shouted, “You don’t tell us what we need to do.” The outburst caught many off guard. India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak quickly intervened, pulling Fortis aside to diffuse the situation. Both parties walked away without further engagement.
Double Standards? Irfan Pathan Speaks Out
The incident gained more traction when former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan voiced his concern online. He posted an image showing England coach Brendon McCullum inspecting the pitch freely with Fortis. Pathan questioned the fairness, writing, “So an English coach can walk onto the pitch to inspect it? But an Indian coach can’t? Are we still stuck in the colonial era?”
So an English coach can walk onto the pitch to inspect it? but an Indian coach can’t? Are we still stuck in the colonial era?
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) July 29, 2025
His remark resonated with fans and players alike, triggering a wider debate about how subcontinental teams are treated abroad.
Curator Responds Calmly
Lee Fortis chose not to escalate the matter. He downplayed the conflict, calling Gambhir “a bit touchy.” When asked what caused the tension, he responded, “You’ll have to ask him that. We’ve got nothing to hide here.”
High Stakes at The Oval
The timing of the controversy couldn’t be more intense; India has a chance to level the series after a heroic draw at Old Trafford and in a major update, Arshdeep Singh is set to make his Test debut, as reported by TimesofIndia.com. His inclusion brings fresh energy to a side looking for redemption.
As fans gear up for what could be a classic finale, the pitch argument has already turned heads and set the tone for a fiery conclusion to the series.
