Indian cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir was involved in a heated verbal exchange with Lee Fortis, head groundsman at The Oval, ahead of the ongoing Test series against England.
Footage of the incident, which has since gone viral, shows Gambhir speaking to Fortis in an inappropriate and confrontational manner. The altercation occurred during a pre-match inspection of the pitch, with Gambhir expressing dissatisfaction over certain conditions.
"You are just a groundsman" - Gautam Gambhir's repeated words towards Surrey head groundsman Lee Fortis in an argument over India's use of the square during their training session at The Oval 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/h03XhM7lZ4
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) July 29, 2025
According to the ESPNcricinfo, Gambhir can be heard saying: ‘You stop it. You don’t tell us what we need to do. You don’t need to tell us. You don’t tell any of my squad what we need to do. You have no right to tell us. You are just a groundsman, you stay in your capacity. You are just a groundsman, nothing beyond. You are just a groundsman.’
Fortis has since responded publicly, saying that it was his first interaction with the former batsman. “Everyone saw what his behaviour was like,” he remarked. “It is not my job to keep Gambhir happy or otherwise.”
The incident has added further tension to an already challenging tour for the Indian side, who currently trail the Test series 2–1 against England.
