ENG Vs IND 5th Test: Double Standards At The Oval? 2023 McCullum Photo Sparks Gambhir Outburst
Controversy has erupted ahead of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 at The Oval in London, with former Indian cricketer and current coach Gautam Gambhir clashing with head groundsman Lee Fortis over what many are calling a case of “double standards.”
Unequal Treatment?
The incident has drawn comparisons to a viral moment from the 2023 Ashes series, where England’s head coach Brendon McCullum was seen calmly inspecting the pitch 48 hours before the match, alongside Fortis. No objections were raised then, and the interaction seemed casual and friendly.
Fast forward to 2025, and the treatment towards the Indian team appeared starkly different.
According to reports, Fortis reprimanded members of the Indian support staff for bringing a small icebox near the nets even though it was light and not near the main pitch area. Moreover, Indian coaches were told to stay at least 2.5 meters away from the pitch while inspecting it.
Kotak Speaks Out
India’s batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, expressed his discomfort with the situation. He pointed out that the staff were wearing joggers and not spike shoes, so there was no risk of damaging the pitch.
“Looking at the pitch with rubber soles shouldn’t be a problem,” Kotak said. “We respect the curators, but they should also respect the knowledge and experience coaches bring to the table.”
Gambhir’s Heated Reaction
Gautam Gambhir, never one to back down, was reportedly furious. He confronted Fortis directly, telling him, “You can’t tell us what to do,” and, “You’re just the groundsman, nothing beyond.” Videos of the heated exchange have since gone viral.
Witnesses said Gambhir was visibly angry and stood firm on the team’s right to inspect the pitch like any other international side.
🚨 Gautam Gambhir Fight with pitch curator 🚨
England have started playing dirty games. The Oval’s chief curator was trying to dictate terms to Indian Cricket Team on how they should practice and causing troubles during a practice session. pic.twitter.com/jBHhObVgNa pic.twitter.com/qjAGSNnpwK
— Jeet (@JeetN25) July 29, 2025
Fortis Responds
Lee Fortis later told reporters he would report Gambhir to the match referee. He brushed off the incident by calling Gambhir “a bit touchy” and declined to go into further detail.
When asked to share this side of the story, Lee Fortis had no answer. He’s known for his arrogance and rude behaviour with touring teams. #GautamGambhir will make sure he doesn’t repeat this again, especially with the Indian Cricket Team.
— Madhav Sharma (@HashTagCricket) July 29, 2025
A Bigger Question
The incident has sparked debate about how visiting teams, especially from the subcontinent are treated in England. Many fans and former players are questioning why McCullum was allowed to inspect the pitch closely in 2023, while Indian coaches are now being held back and even scolded for far less.
With the match just days away, the focus is quickly shifting from cricket to controversy something the sport could do without.