Updated On: 29 July, 2025 04:55 PM IST | Manchester | mid-day online correspondent
The situation quickly escalated before Sitanshu Kotak intervened to de-escalate tensions. Kotak was seen calmly taking Fortis aside for a more private discussion at the edge of the practice area. After a prolonged conversation between the two, the curator and Gambhir went their separate ways, allowing the Indian camp to resume their nets

The situation quickly escalated before batting coach Sitanshu Kotak intervened to de-escalate tensions (Photo: Screengrab/PTI)
India head coach Gautam Gambhir found himself at the centre of an on-field confrontation on Tuesday, engaging in a tense verbal exchange with Lee Fortis, the Oval`s chief curator during India’s training session ahead of the fifth and final Test against England, scheduled to begin Thursday at The Oval.
According to viral videos circulating on social media, Gambhir appeared visibly agitated during the altercation, reportedly pointing fingers at members of the groundstaff while telling Fortis, “You don’t tell us what we need to do.” While the exact reason for the disagreement is not confirmed, sources quoted by news agency PTI indicate that it was likely related to the condition of the practice pitches.
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