Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden has weighed in on India head coach Gautam Gambhir’s fiery exchange with The Oval’s chief curator Lee Fortis, suggesting he could have used “better language” during the tense confrontation before the decisive fifth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. The incident, which unfolded on the eve of the match, saw Gambhir sharply rebuking Fortis, telling him, “You don’t tell us what we need to do… you’re just a groundsman, nothing beyond,” after the curator instructed the Indian coaching staff to stay 2.5 meters from the main pitch square, despite them not wearing spikes.

Speaking on All Over Bar The Cricket, Hayden acknowledged the protective nature of English curators, describing the episode as a “typical flex” by Fortis to assert control over his venue ahead of a high-stakes game. “It’s their turf, and they’ll make it tough for the visiting team,” Hayden said, but added, “Gambhir’s got every right to push back for his team’s training needs, though toning down his words would’ve been wiser.”

The spat didn’t derail India’s focus, as they clinched a thrilling six-run victory in the fifth Test, leveling the series at 2-2 after trailing 2-1. The win, hailed as a testament to India’s resilience under Gambhir’s leadership, drew praise on X, with users like @CricketFanatic12 calling it a “gritty comeback.” However, the altercation sparked debate, with some, like @SportsGuru_IN, criticizing Gambhir’s approach as “unnecessarily aggressive,” while others defended his passion for protecting his team’s interests.

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India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak clarified that the curator’s restriction frustrated the team, as it hampered their preparation on a pitch expected to favor seamers. The incident underscores the high-pressure stakes of the series, with Gambhir’s no-nonsense style both polarizing and galvanizing, as India prepares for future challenges, including the upcoming Australia tour.

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