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'I Really Don't Know Why He Was Upset': Sourav Ganguly Downplays Gautam Gambhir's Verbal Spat With Oval Pitch Curator Lee Fortis; Video

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31st July, 2025 19:55 IST

A brief but heated exchange between India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir and The Oval’s pitch curator Lee Fortis ahead of the fifth and final Test against England drew attention on the eve of the match in London. However, former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has downplayed the incident, and urged everyone not to overreact.

Gambhir was seen in a visibly intense conversation with Fortis during India’s training session. The visuals quickly circulated on social media, prompting commentary from fans and experts.

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Speaking about the incident, Ganguly offered a balanced perspective, reminding everyone that such interactions are a common part of the game. “I really don't know why Gambhir was upset. All coaches and captains must have had discussions with the groundsman, sometimes happily, sometimes unhappily,” Ganguly said. “It happened in my time, and it will happen in the future as well.”

The former BCCI president emphasized that the focus should remain on the game itself. “Let’s not make too much out of it. The Test match is starting today, and I wish India plays well and wins the Test match,” he added.

As the high-stakes final Test kicks off at The Oval, India will be looking to end the series on a high. Meanwhile, Ganguly’s calm and composed response serves as a reminder that emotions and debates are natural in cricket.

IND Vs ENG, 5th Test: Ollie Pope's Successful DRS Call Draws Applause From Ben Stokes As Yashasvi Jaiswal Departs Early; Video

England drew first blood in the final Test of the series at The Oval, as fast bowler Gus Atkinson dismissed India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal for just 2 runs with a fiery delivery that crashed into the middle stump, thanks to a well-judged DRS call from captain Ollie Pope.

Bowling from around the wicket, Atkinson delivered one that jagged back sharply off a good length, angling in from outside off. Jaiswal, defending tentatively, brought his bat down at an awkward angle and was struck on the back pad. England appealed instantly for LBW, but the on-field umpire was unmoved.

There was an audible woody sound, prompting initial doubts, but Atkinson remained convinced, joined by enthusiastic voices from behind the stumps. Pope, equally confident, went upstairs for a review. On replay, it was clear: the bat and ball hadn’t connected. Instead, the ball brushed the front pad before thudding into the back pad.

Third umpire, after a brief check, confirmed no UltraEdge was needed. Ball tracking followed and it was damning for Jaiswal. Three reds lit up the screen as the ball was shown to be hitting middle stump. The on-field decision was overturned, and Jaiswal was sent back for 2 off 9 balls, leaving India at 10/1 in the early stages of the Test.

Captain Ollie Pope celebrated the successful review with a fist pump directed at the England dressing room, where injured talisman Ben Stokes, sidelined due to a shoulder issue, applauded the call. It was a moment of sharp captaincy and precise bowling, giving England the ideal start in a high-stakes encounter.

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