NEW DELHI: With India and England preparing for a series-defining fifth Test at The Oval, the cricketing world has been rocked by an off-field controversy involving India head coach Gautam Gambhir and pitch curator Lee Fortis. The tension boiled over during India’s practice session on Tuesday, when Gambhir reportedly clashed with Fortis over pitch access and conditions. In a heated exchange, Gambhir was seen pointing at Fortis and saying, “You don’t tell us what we need to do.”The situation escalated to the point where India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak had to intervene and pull Fortis aside to de-escalate the confrontation.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!The sentiment found support from former India wicketkeeper and current mentor of Outer Delhi Warriors, Parthiv Patel. Speaking at the jersey launch for the Delhi Premier League (DPL) Season 2, Patel didn’t mince words: “It’s frustration for England. I have my sympathy for them. Gautam has every right as coach to see the pitch. It’s unfortunate what happened. It is entitled behaviour of the English.” Patel also took a moment to praise India’s young wicketkeeper-batters.On Rishabh Pant, he said, “When he met with an accident, no one knew if he could walk again. Then he made a comeback. That was inspiring. The way he batted despite injury is incredible. Having respect in the dressing room is important. He has earned that.”He also lauded Dhruv Jurel’s progress: “Dhruv Jurel has stepped in very well. Dhruv Jurel did very well last year against England. It’s a good opportunity for him now.”With Arshdeep Singh likely to make his debut, as confirmed by TimesofIndia.com on Tuesday, and the pitch controversy still simmering, the final Test, set to start on Thursday, promises to be a dramatic finish to a gripping series.
