A video of India head coach Gautam Gambhir in a heated exchange with oval Groundsman Lee Fortis has become viral, just a few days before the fifth and final test between India and England. The clip shows that Gambhir is refused access to the pitch area, which leads to a confrontation that has now become online and in cricket circles.
PaShan supports Gambhir, hits “Double Standards”
Former India cricket player Irfan Pathan has come out strongly to support Gambhir. Pathan said on his YouTube channel and said that the coach was well within his right to inspect the field prior to a crucial competition.
“This curator has a history of being rude. There are several examples that he behaves with the captains and coaches of overseas teams. This is not the first time,” said Pathhan.
He also pointed to photos that circulated online and showing England coach Brendon McCullum who was at the same pitch only two days earlier. The visit of Gambhir was also two days before the test, but he was stopped.
“The coach of England is allowed, but not Indian. It feels that we still live in the era of 1947. I can’t accept this double standard,” Pathhan added.
Pitch Access important for strategy
Pathan emphasized that being able to physically inspect the field is an important part of the task of a coach. He called it “A manufactured controversy” And criticized how Indian teams are sometimes treated abroad.
“If you don’t get the pitch, how do you plant the game for the game? You have to get an idea from the field by touching it – how difficult is it, is there moisture in? You can’t have that by staring of 2.5 meters,” he said.
He added that visiting teams get a lot more access and better treatment in India than the Indian team often receives abroad.
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