Indian batting coach talks about Gambhir-curator heated argument controversy

Even before the beginning of the last Test of the thrilling ongoing five-match Test series, the controversy erupted after the Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir and the chief curator of The Oval had a heated argument. Indian batting coach Sitanshu Kotak opened up about that incident. 

During a recent practice session, Gautam Gambhir and Lee Fortis, the chief curator of The Oval, had a heated argument. According to the Indian batting coach Kotak, the head coach wanted to look at the pitch from a closer angle while wearing joggers, but the curator didn't like that.

[WATCH] ENG vs IND 5th Test: Oval's Lee Fortis open up his side over controversy with Gautam Gambhir

We did nothing wrong: Indian batting coach

In the press conference, the Indian batting coach claimed, “When we were having a look at the wicket, they sent a man to tell us to stay 2.5 metres away from the pitch. We were wearing joggers.”

Understanding the curators' view, Kotak felt that the Indian team didn't do anything wrong in that situation to make it a heated moment. He added, “We know curators are possessive about the square. What he said about the head coach is his opinion and I don’t want to comment. But we did nothing wrong."

The way he spoke, it was a bit arrogant

Kotak felt that the chief curator was arrogant, for which the man is popular in world cricket. The Indian batting coach said, “You can be protective about the square, but not arrogant. It’s not an antique that you can’t touch. He said they were trying to grow grass, but we were in joggers so we didn’t see the problem. The way he spoke, it was a bit arrogant. Everyone knows the curator at The Oval is not the easiest person to deal with.”

Indian batting coach talking about the heated conversation between Gambhir and curator. pic.twitter.com/5hMd6LYTOV

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 29, 2025

The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, the five-match Test series between the hosts England and the visitors India, currently stands at 2-1 with the last Test yet to be played. The Oval in London will host the last Test, starting on August 31. It will be the must-win game for India only to draw the away series, while a draw will be enough for England to win this home Test series.