South Africa captain Temba Bavuma dismissed Shukri Conrad’s contentious statements that he wanted India to “really grovel” by stating that the head coach “will have a look at his comments” in a clichéd manner.
Legends Anil Kumble and Dale Steyn, two former South African and Indian players, have voiced anger with Conrad’s use of the historical term “grovel” to characterize Proteas’ domination in the just finished 2-0 Test series.
When questioned about the remark that caused a stir on Wednesday at the press conference following the game, Bavuma stated: “Comments made by coach came to me this morning. I was focused on game and didn’t have a chance to speak to him. Shukri is close to 60 years old and he will have a look at his comments.”
Bavuma, alluding to Jasprit Bumrah’s bauna remark regarding the South Africa captain’s height during the first Test in Kolkata, said, “But in this series certain guys have also crossed the line. Not saying coach crossed the line, but he will surely think about it.”
For those unaware, the term “grovel” has deep roots in cricketing history. In 1976, ahead of a Test series in England—where the West Indies were overwhelming favourites—English captain Tony Greig famously declared in a pre-series interview, “…I intend to make them grovel.” The remark backfired spectacularly. The West Indies crushed England 5–0, leaving Greig to swallow his words.
After entering the match with a 30-run victory in Kolkata, South Africa finished a 2-0 series sweep of India with a 408-run crushing of the hosts in the second Test in Guwahati.
With his team in a strong position to win their first Test series in India in 25 years, Conrad made the remarks following the conclusion of the fourth day of play in the second Test.
