Gill, Gambhir Clash With Oval Pitch Curator

Ahead of the fifth Test between India and England at The Oval, Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir had a heated exchange with pitch curator Lee Fortis after being told to stay 2.5 metres from the main pitch. Indian captain Shubman Gill publicly supported Gambhir, criticizing the restriction as unprecedented and unnecessary, and emphasizing the right to inspect the wicket under standard protocols. The confrontation drew heightened attention after video footage of the incident went viral. Indian batting coach Sitanshu Kotak stated that the team had not violated any norms and characterized Fortis's stance as unusual. The dispute occurred as England led the series 2-1 and prepared for the decisive match without their injured captain Ben Stokes. The incident underscored existing tensions surrounding the series finale.