Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has reacted to the heated argument between Indian team head coach Gautam Gambhir and the pitch curator of The Oval, where the fifth Test will be played on July 31. According to a PTI report, tensions escalated when Lee Fortis confronted Gambhir over the use of a particular practice area. Exposing England’s hypocrisy, Chopra mentioned a 2023 incident in the Ashes, where Brendon McCullum was seen standing on the pitch with the same pitch curator, Lee Fortis, who argued with Gautam Gambhir.
Aakash Chopra posted the video on X, and spoke about what went down between the pitch curator and India’s head coach. He explained the whole incident and questioned why such things are being done by England.
“Why are you seeing this pitch? You should stay 2.5m away and see from there even if you are wearing spikes or not, this is the rule.”
“And why did you bring the ice box here on the pitch? Take it out from here” this is what the pitch curator said as mentioned by Aakash Chopra in a video he posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Not letting Gautam Gambhir and co near the square at the Oval – Double standards much? 🤔 #Aakashvani #ENGvsIND pic.twitter.com/NALsH3y7Al
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) July 29, 2025
“This is what the pitch curator said to Gautam Gambhir and the Indian team actually lost it, Gambhir even told what are you doing even Sitanshu Kotak also explained this is a pitch not an antique, we are wearing rubber studs and there are 2 days for the match to start but Oval’s groundman said that Gautam Gambhir is a very touchy guy”
“In 2023, 48 hours before match in Ashes” Aakash Chopra shared a picture of Brendon McCullum standing on the pitch with the same curator Lee Fortis
Chopra said “Both of them are standing on the pitch, now tell me whose touchy whose salty, different rules for different people”
Also Read: ENG Vs IND: Will Kuldeep Yadav Play 5th Test At The Oval?
“Hello, kar kya rahe ho England walo (What are you doing England” Aakash Chopra said
