Former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar has come out strongly in support of head coach Gautam Gambhir, blasting Lee Fortis, the Surrey head groundsman and chief curator, for his controversial spat with the Indian team management ahead of the fifth Test against England at The Oval. The incident unfolded just days before the series decider, when Fortis reportedly warned the Indian support staff to maintain a distance of at least 2.5 metres from the pitch while inspecting it — and notably, without wearing spikes.

Concerned about heavy foot traffic and training equipment on the main square, Fortis allegedly used a tone and manner that irritated Gambhir, prompting the former India opener to hit back sharply.

Witnesses say Gautam Gambhir told Fortis in no uncertain terms to “stay in his capacity,” adding pointedly, “You are just a groundsman, nothing beyond.” Even after Fortis threatened to lodge an official complaint, Gambhir stood his ground, refusing to back down before the high-stakes match.

Speaking to Times of India, Vengsarkar defended Gambhir’s stance, insisting the head coach had every right to examine the pitch before a crucial Test closely. He drew comparisons with touring sides in India, noting that foreign players, coaches, and even media representatives freely inspect pitches there without interference.

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“When teams tour India, no one stops them from checking the pitch. So why should it be different for us in England?” Diilip Vengsarkar asked.

The former batting great also questioned Matthew Hayden’s remarks that Gambhir could have toned down his language. Vengsarkar argued that if such an incident had happened with Australian cricketers, their response would have been far more aggressive.

“Would Hayden, or any Aussie player, have taken it quietly if a curator told them to stay away from the pitch before a key match? They would have used the choicest words to put the curator in his place,” he said.

Beyond the spat, Vengsarkar praised the quality of pitches prepared for the five-match India-England Test series. He highlighted that sporting wickets, rather than extreme conditions, bring out the best in Test cricket and help the format flourish.

“If you prepare good pitches, Test cricket can not just survive but thrive,” Dilip Vengsarkar said, urging the BCCI to follow England’s example in the upcoming home season.

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He advised against producing rank turners purely for short-term gains, warning that catering to the whims of captains and coaches aiming only for immediate victories could harm the long-term health of the game. With India’s next assignments being two home Tests each against West Indies and South Africa, Vengsarkar hopes the surfaces will encourage competitive cricket and fair contests between bat and ball, ensuring that fans get the kind of gripping five-day battles the sport desperately needs.