There was a fierce debate between Team India’s head coach and pitch curator before the fifth Test played between India and England at Kennington Oval. Many types of reports were also revealed about this. Now the reaction of former Australian legendary cricketer Matthew Hayden has come on this matter. Matthew Hayden believes that India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir could have softened his language during a fierce debate with the Oval curator before the fifth and final Test match against England.

Before the fifth Test, Gambhir had a sharp debate with Lee Fortis, the main curator of Oval and he was heard saying that ‘you cannot tell us what we should do’.

Hayden said at the ‘All -Over the Cricket’ program, “They can be in the rescue posture with (curator) pitches. It is common in England. It is their own ground and we are going to play the last Test match. In such a situation, he will try to create difficulties for Gautam Gambhir. But I think he should have been a little soft in his language. Was.”

After the fourth Test, England was leading 2–1 in the series and India had to win the fifth Test to draw the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. India finally managed to equalize the series by winning this match by six runs.

According to India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, the debate began when Fortis asked the Indian coaching staff to stay 2.5 meters away from the main pitch, while he did not wear spikes (nail shoes). Gambhir then replied, “You cannot tell any of us what we have to do. You have no right to tell us. You are just a field worker, nothing more than this.”

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has given a statement on the debate of Gautam Gambhir and The Oval’s pitch curator. He said that I do not know why the head coaches of India were angry. All the coaches and captains will talk to the groundsman. He also talked about not giving much to this matter. This debate of coach and curator took place during practice between India and England before the 5th Test.

The Indian cricket team is lagging behind 1-2 in the series, by winning the last Test being played at The Oval, Shubman Gill and Team can finish the series on the draw. This will also be a good achievement for the team playing with most young players. Before this match, when the Indian coach Gautam Gambhir was standing near the pitch, the pitch curator Lee came to Fortis and said that stand out of the rope, 2.5 meters away. On this, serious enraged and advised them to not explain what we should do. Now Sourav Ganguly’s statement came on this dispute, which is going viral.

What did Sourav Ganguly say on the dispute with Gautam Gambhir’s pitch curator?

Talking to the media, he said, “I do not really know why Gautam Gambhir was angry. I am sure that all the coaches and captains must talk with the groundsman, sometimes happy and sometimes angry. It has happened in my time, so it will be ahead. So do not give it too much.

VIDEO | Kolkata: Former India Captain Sourv Ganguly (@Sganguly99) Preferred to play down the pitch-road

“I really don’t know why gambhir was upset. I’m sure all coaches… pic.twitter.com/rdzltfyboh

– Press Trust of India (@Pti_News) July 31, 2025

Why did India vs England rage on the serious pitch curator before the 5th Test?

India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak had given the reason for this debate in the press conference, he was standing with Gambhir at this time. He said, “I have never seen in my career till date that a pitch curator was speaking so. Gambhir was standing there, then the curator came and said that you should stand 2.5 meters away from the pitch.”

Gambhir got angry with this, because neither he came on the pitch wearing a spike nor was doing any harm. Explain that according to the rule, the captain and coach can come on the pitch before the match. He can see it, touch it. However, no one can come on the pitch wearing a spike shoes.