SA Coach Acknowledges Misstep with ‘Grovel’ Remark Against India
In a recent media interaction, South African cricket coach Shukri Conrad addressed his controversial remarks suggesting that India should “grovel” during their encounter in the Guwahati Test. Conrad emphasized that it was not his intent to offend, acknowledging he could have chosen his words more wisely.
“On reflection, it was never my intention to cause any malice or not be humble about anything,” Conrad stated, reflecting on the phrase that resurfaced during their 2-0 Test sweep over India. The coach clarified, “I could have chosen a better word because it left it open for people to put their own context to it.” His remarks were made after South Africa’s 2-1 ODI series loss in Visakhapatnam.
Historic Context and Repercussions
Conrad’s comments, originally delivered following the fourth day of the second Test when South Africa batted deep into their innings against India, were meant to convey a tactical approach. Despite this, the word “grovel,” charged with historical weight since Tony Greig’s infamous use in 1976 regarding the West Indies, drew widespread criticism including from notable figures such as Sunil Gavaskar and commentator Dale Steyn.
While Cricket South Africa (CSA) opted not to publicly address the controversy, the organization was reportedly displeased given their strong ties with Indian cricket. It was left to Conrad to determine how to resolve the resulting tensions, which he discussed with trusted colleagues and family.
Concluding Remarks and Future Focus
Despite the fallout, Conrad remarked, “The only context I ever intended it to be was that we wanted India to spend a lot of time in the field and make it really tough for them.” He noted that the controversy detracted from South Africa’s significant achievement of securing their first series win in India in 25 years.
Hoping to leave the issue behind, Conrad underlined the importance of humility within his team: “Being humble is a cornerstone of our Test team and all our teams for that matter,” he said. The focus, he insists, should remain on the players rather than the coach’s rhetoric.
For more context and a detailed timeline of the South Africa tour of India, including match scores and schedules, visit ESPNcricinfo.
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