Tensions Rise Between India’s Coach and The Oval Curator During Training
Confrontation at The Oval
London [UK], July 29: Sitanshu Kotak, the batting coach for India, revealed details about a heated exchange between head coach Gautam Gambhir and Lee Fortis, the chief curator at The Oval, during a training session on Tuesday. Kotak stated that their actions did not harm the pitch and confirmed that they would not file any complaints regarding the incident.
The verbal altercation escalated from the field to off the field, with Gambhir visibly agitated during his confrontation with Fortis. At one point, Gambhir pointed aggressively at Fortis and used strong language.
Kotak intervened, attempting to calm the situation by speaking with Fortis. Meanwhile, Gambhir, standing near the nets, insisted, “You don’t tell us what to do.”
Reports indicate that Fortis was displeased with India utilizing a significant portion of the main square for their practice. Kotak expressed that pitch curators can be overly protective and possessive about the grounds, but there’s no need for arrogance regarding something that isn’t an ‘antique piece.’
“When we were inspecting the pitch, someone was sent to tell us to stay 2.5 meters away, which was unexpected. We were in joggers, and it felt awkward. Curators can be a bit overprotective, but it’s important to remember that the individuals they’re addressing are skilled and knowledgeable,” Kotak explained during the post-match press conference.
He added, “There’s nothing wrong with examining a wicket in rubber spikes. Curators should recognize that they’re dealing with professionals. If they come off as arrogant, it can create tension.”
Kotak also mentioned that Fortis raised his voice when the support staff was bringing in a cooling box weighing around 10 kilos, which Gambhir found inappropriate, leading him to defend his team.
“When the cooling box was being brought in, Fortis shouted at the support staff not to take it there. The weight of that box is minimal, and we were just doing our job,” he remarked.
Kotak noted that the incident stemmed from their inspection of the crease when they were instructed to maintain a distance of 2.5 meters. Despite the altercation, he confirmed that India would not pursue any complaints against Fortis.
“It was a normal situation that escalated. Before arriving at The Oval, many in the team were aware that the curator isn’t the easiest person to work with. Therefore, it’s understandable why tensions arose. I don’t see any reason to complain,” he stated.
Kotak described the curator’s request to maintain distance as oddly phrased, which contributed to the misunderstanding. He emphasized that Gambhir is not one to engage in unnecessary disputes.
While Kotak elaborated on the situation, Fortis chose not to comment on the confrontation, referring to Gambhir as a ‘touchy guy’ and remaining silent about the details.
“It’s a significant match ahead. It’s not my role to have personal feelings about him (Gautam Gambhir). I’ve never met him until today. You saw how he was this morning. I’m fine, and we have nothing to hide,” Fortis told reporters.
As the intense Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy approaches its final Test at The Oval, England leads the series 2-1 after the fourth match in Manchester ended in a draw. India aims to finish strong as the much-anticipated match kicks off on Thursday.