Gambhir-Curator Clash Rocks Oval Ahead of Crucial Test
A heated exchange between Indian cricket coach Gautam Gambhir and The Oval’s curator, Mr. Fortis, marred a practice session on July 29, 2025, ahead of the final Test. The disagreement reportedly stemmed from Mr. Fortis instructing Gambhir to stay away from the pitch.
The situation escalated when Mr. Fortis also directed India’s support staff regarding the placement of cooling boxes. This further inflamed the already tense atmosphere.
Team manager, Mr. Kotak, later intervened, suggesting a breakdown in communication was the root cause of the conflict. He attributed the incident to a misunderstanding.
This incident raises concerns about the potential for distractions impacting the Indian team’s performance in the crucial final Test. The management will need to ensure smooth communication to maintain focus on the game.