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As the fifth and final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy looms, tensions are already high both on and off the pitch. At the heart of Tuesday’s drama was India head coach Gautam Gambhir, who found himself in a fiery spat with pitch curator Lee Fortis just two days ahead of the series decider against England.
Gautam Gambhir: The Fiery Leader at the Helm
Known for his no-nonsense demeanor and fierce passion for the game, Gambhir has often worn his emotions on his sleeve—both as a player and now as India’s head coach. Under his leadership, India has fought hard to stay afloat in the series, managing a dramatic draw in the fourth Test at Manchester. Now, with the series level within reach, Gambhir’s intensity seems only to have grown.
Sparks Fly at the Ground
During India’s training session on Tuesday, Gambhir was visibly animated during a heated exchange with Fortis. Eyewitnesses at the ground, including a Hindustan Times reporter, reported loud finger-pointing and verbal volleys. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak also joined the discussion, attempting to mediate but getting caught in the storm himself.
“You don’t tell me what to do,” Gambhir was overheard telling Fortis, hinting at a dispute that was clearly more than a minor misunderstanding. While the exact trigger remains unclear, it was evident that the Indian camp was unhappy with something related to the pitch preparation.
Eventually, cooler heads prevailed, Gambhir returned to training duties, while Fortis kept a watchful eye from the sidelines.
A Series on the Boil
This verbal clash comes on the back of a series already overflowing with emotion. From Shubman Gill’s on-field altercation with England’s openers at Lord’s to the drama in Manchester, where Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar defied England’s call to end the match early, tensions have simmered throughout.
