Lee Fortis, Curator Involved in Spat with Gambhir, Leaves Surrey

Groundsman Lee Fortis, who clashed with Gambhir, leaves Surrey after disciplinary row

Lee Fortis has left Surrey following disciplinary proceedings over his conduct. His exit leaves the club seeking a new head groundsman before major 2027 Tests.

Lee Fortis, curator involved in spat with Gambhir, leaves Surrey

Lee Fortis made headlines in 2025 when he was seen exchanging heated words with India head coach Gautam Gambhir ahead of the fifth Test against England at the Oval.

Remember the 2025 Gautam Gambhir-Oval groundsman spat? Lee Fortis leaves Surrey after disciplinary proceedings over ECB employee altercation

Lee Fortis had also been in the news in 2025 after an argument with India head coach Gautam Gambhir. The two had a disagreement over the Oval pitch. During the exchange, Gambhir told Fortis: "You’re just a groundsman, nothing beyond that." India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak later called Fortis "arrogant".

Surrey confirm Lee Fortis departure as head groundsman

Fortis had been on leave pending disciplinary proceedings after reported row with ECB employee during Hundred