Gautam Gambhir's Heated Exchange With Groundsman Sparks Controversy Before Final India Vs England Test

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Gautam Gambhir vs Groundsman: Pitch Dispute Erupts Before Final Test at The Oval
In the build-up to the high-pressure fifth Test between India and England, tensions have already flared—not between players, but between staff. India's head coach Gautam Gambhir engaged in a verbal altercation with Surrey County’s head groundsman, Lee Fortis, over practice access to the main pitch at The Oval.

According to on-ground sources, Fortis requested that Indian players avoid stepping on the pitch square to maintain its condition. Gambhir responded sharply, stating:
"You don’t tell us what to do,"
leading to a visibly uncomfortable exchange between the coaching staff and ground officials.

Sitanshu Kotak Reacts: “Awkward and Unnecessary”
Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak later described the moment as “awkward” and said the ground staff were being overprotective. Kotak emphasized that India, being a touring side, deserved fair preparation conditions ahead of such a crucial Test.

Surrey officials maintained that their only intention was to preserve the integrity of the surface and that both ...
... teams received the same instructions regarding practice limitations.

Oval Test Preview: What’s at Stake?
India trails 2-1 in the five-match series and must win this Test to draw the series. With the final Test scheduled to begin July 31, 2025, this pitch controversy may serve either as a distraction or motivation for Team India.

Key Talking Points Ahead of the Match:
Possible inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI

Continued batting responsibility on KL Rahul and Shubman Gill

The Oval pitch is known to offer spin assistance late in the match

Final Thoughts
While the incident may appear minor in the larger context of the series, it highlights the underlying intensity and psychological dynamics at play in international cricket. With emotions running high and the spotlight firmly on The Oval, this encounter adds an extra layer of drama to an already enthralling contest.
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