Shukri Conrad, the head coach of South Africa, elicited a huge uproar when he made the statement about making India “grovel” during the fourth day (Tuesday, November 25) of the second Test match in Guwahati. A number of past Indian cricketers, such as Anil Kumble, Cheteshwar Pujara, Parthiv Patel, and Aakash Chopra, were very critical of the coach.

South Africa’s decision to keep batting after the interval was unexpected. It should be emphasized that the pitch had not shown any major changes throughout the match. The batting side had a commanding position with a 508-run lead at the break. Still, they opted to bat on until Ravindra Jadeja got the wicket of Tristan Stubbs who was out for 94 being the top run-getter.

Shukri Conrad pointed out that South Africa’s aim was to bat long in the second innings. He explained that his team wanted to compound the Indians’ pain by keeping them in the field for a long time, both physically and mentally. His comment about making the opponent “grovel” created quite a stir.

Parthiv Patel Criticizes South African Coach’s Ignorance – Timeless Interpretation

During a recent discussion on Star Sports, Parthiv Patel opined that the South African coach Shukri Conrad ought to have been well-versed in the implications and the weight that comes with the use of the word “grovel.” The former Indian wicketkeeper-batsman claimed that the statement was blatantly rude and even hinted that the coach might have to issue an apology on the last day of the match.

“Perhaps the South African coach is not aware of the heaviness of the word. But then again, I don’t think so. He was smirking while saying it. That was certainly rude,” Patel stated.

“Getting to that point with the Indian team is simply a matter of congratulating them with ‘You’ve done well to get to this point. But there was no need to use such a term’. I suspect we will see the apology from Conrad through the day. I do not think such things are necessary in the cricketing world. You may get into a tussle, play hard, but such issues are not required,” he said.

South Africa Have Most Likely Won the Series – Anil Kumble

Anil Kumble criticized Shukri Conrad’s statement as unacceptable. He mentioned that the leading teams should display modesty rather than engage in provocative comments.

“There’s history attached to this. Fifty years ago, an England captain used the same phrase against the great West Indies side, and we all know what followed,” Kumble said.

“South Africa have most likely won the series, but when you’re on top, your choice of words matters. Humility is most important at such times. I certainly didn’t expect this—from the coach or the support staff. When you’re winning, the first thing is to stay humble, not say something like this at a press conference.”

The term became notorious in 1976 when England captain Tony Greig declared that he longed to see the West Indies “grovel”, a remark denounced and regarded as extremely insulting. The West Indies triumphed and won the five-match series 3-0.

I Don’t Think That Statement Will Go Down Well – Cheteshwar Pujara

Cheteshwar Pujara remarked that the comment would hurt the Indian squad but encouraged the players to convert their anger into cricket. He suggested that the perfect reaction would be to bat with patience, create partnerships, and battle through all three sessions.

“It does fire up the team, but it will hurt as well. I don’t think that statement will go down well in the dressing room,” Pujara said.

“But the best way to answer it is to fight it out—bat three sessions, build partnerships. We’re in this position because we haven’t played good cricket, and the response has to come with the bat, not through words.”