Gavaskar Takes Strong Exception to Conrad's 'Grovel' Comment
Former Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has strongly criticised South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad for his controversial 'grovel' remark made during the second Test match between India and South Africa. This criticism comes despite South Africa's comprehensive 2-0 series victory over the Indian team.
The Controversial Press Conference Moment
The incident unfolded during the second Test in Guwahati, where South Africa, despite having a substantial first-innings lead of 288 runs, made the surprising decision to bat again instead of enforcing the follow-on against India. When journalists questioned this defensive strategy at the post-match press conference, Coach Conrad stated: "We wanted them (India) to really grovel."
This comment immediately sparked controversy within cricket circles, prompting Gavaskar to address the matter during his appearance on the JioHotstar show 'Cricket Live'. The former Indian captain called it an "ill-advised use of the word" and provided crucial historical context that made the remark particularly inappropriate.
Historical Context and India's Supporting Role
Gavaskar reminded everyone about South Africa's difficult period of international isolation that lasted more than 20 years. He emphasised that the Indian Cricket Board played the pivotal role in proposing South Africa's readmission to international cricket. Furthermore, he noted that South Africa's first international match upon their return was played in India, marking a significant moment in their cricketing renaissance.
The cricket legend also highlighted the contemporary financial connections between the two cricketing nations, specifically pointing to the SA20 league where five out of the six franchises are Indian-owned. Gavaskar explained how these Indian owners provide substantial support to South African players—not just the established international stars but also the fringe players who benefit from career-building opportunities.
A Legacy of Competitive But Fair Cricket
Gavaskar stressed the historically positive relationship between Indian and South African cricket, describing it as "positive and collaborative for decades." He reflected on nearly every India-South Africa contest he has witnessed, characterising them as always being "competitive and tough, but never hostile." The cricket remained "hard, fair cricket" without crossing any boundaries of sportsmanship.
While Gavaskar didn't demand an apology, he suggested Conrad should acknowledge his comment in his next media interaction. "I don't think an apology is necessary; I personally don't believe in apologies. But acknowledging it and making up for it would be accepted by everyone," Gavaskar stated. He showed understanding for the pressure of the moment, adding, "In the heat of the moment, you can get carried away and say something that goes a bit over the top."
Given the strong connection between Indian and South African cricket over the last 30 years, Gavaskar expressed hope that Conrad would simply clarify that he got carried away in the moment, thus preserving the spirit of camaraderie between the two cricketing nations.
