IND vs ENG: “Still Living in 1947 Era” – Irfan Pathan Defends Gautam Gambhir Amid Oval Groundsman Controversy
Gautam Gambhir denied pitch access at The Oval; Irfan Pathan slams “double standards” and backs Indian coach.
A video of India head coach Gautam Gambhir in a heated exchange with Oval groundsman Lee Fortis has gone viral, just days before the fifth and final Test between India and England. The clip shows Gambhir being denied access to the pitch area, leading to a confrontation that’s now become a talking point online and in cricket circles.
Pathan Backs Gambhir, Slams “Double Standards”
Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan has come out strongly in support of Gambhir. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Pathan said the coach was well within his rights to inspect the pitch ahead of a crucial match.
“This curator has a history of being rude. There are several instances of him behaving in such a way with overseas teams’ captains and coaches. This isn’t the first time,” Pathan said.
He also pointed to photos circulating online that show England coach Brendon McCullum standing on the same pitch just two days earlier. Gambhir’s visit was also two days before the Test, yet he was stopped.
“England’s coach is allowed, but not Indian. It feels we are still living in the 1947 era. I cannot accept this double-standard,” Pathan added.
Pitch Access Important for Strategy
Pathan stressed that being able to inspect the pitch physically is a key part of a coach’s job. He called it “a manufactured controversy” and criticized how Indian teams are sometimes treated abroad.
“If you don’t get to inspect the pitch, how will you plan for the game? You have to get a feel of the pitch by touching it – how hard it is, is there moisture in it? You can’t have that by staring from 2.5 meters,” he said.
He added that visiting teams get far more access and better treatment in India than Indian team often receive overseas.
