Controversial Comments Spark Outrage in Indian Cricket Camp
Former Indian cricket stars have launched a sharp response to South African coach Shukri Conrad's inflammatory remarks about making the Indian team "grovel" during the ongoing second Test match in Guwahati. The comments made after stumps on Day 4 have triggered strong reactions from cricket legends including Cheteshwar Pujara, Anil Kumble and Akash Chopra.
The controversy erupted on November 26, 2025, when Conrad, speaking at the end of day's play, explained why South Africa continued batting despite having a substantial lead. "We wanted the Indians to spend as much time on their feet out in the field, we wanted them to really grovel, to steer afraid, bat them completely out the gate, and then say to them: survive on the last day and an hour this evening," the South African coach stated with a visible smirk.
Historical Context Adds Fuel to Fire
The choice of words carries significant historical baggage in cricket circles. Former India captain Anil Kumble immediately pointed out the connection to the infamous 1976 incident when England's Tony Greig used the same term against the West Indies team. "There's history attached to this phrase. Fifty years ago, an England captain used the same phrase against the great West Indies side, and we all know what followed," Kumble remarked during the broadcast.
Kumble suggested that the Indian team could use this as motivation, stating: "If the Indian team is searching for inspiration or guts to fight from this position, you will get that when the opposition is using such words and think of you like that. You will need to show himmat (strength) and you need to show that this team will not give you the remaining eight wickets easily."
Pujara's Emotional Response
Test specialist Cheteshwar Pujara delivered an emotionally charged response to the controversial comments. When questioned whether the South African team needed to make such statements given their dominant position in the series, Pujara didn't hold back.
"There was no need for that. If such a statement has been made it means that the Indian team is not in a good situation. Yeh dil main lagne wali baat hai. Jab yeh baat dil pe lagti hai, tab aap behtar bente hain," Pujara expressed, emphasizing how such words can sting and motivate players to perform better.
The veteran batsman added a long-term perspective: "First of all, you will have to play out today's day today. And then you will have to remember these words for a long time. The World Test Championship cycle has not ended yet. If you want to give a fitting answer to this, you will have to do so in the WTC Final."
Chopra Draws Parallels with Cricket History
Commentator and former opener Akash Chopra echoed the concerns about the inappropriate nature of the comments while drawing historical parallels. "It's a bit unfortunate. If you look at the series between England and West Indies back in 1976, they needed to change the rules mid-way after the West Indians replied to that comment from Tony Grieg with bouncers. It fired a revolution," Chopra observed.
He expressed hope that the Indian team would respond with fighting spirit: "Today, we need to fight to avoid for a draw. I hope the Indian team comes back out fired up."
Match Situation Adds to Tension
The controversial comments come at a critical juncture in the match. India faces a daunting challenge on the final day at Guwahati, having ended Day 4 at 27/2 while chasing an improbable target of 549 runs. To salvage a draw, the Indian team must bat through the entire final day, though this would still result in series defeat after South Africa's victory in the first Test at Eden Gardens.
Earlier, former wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel had also condemned Conrad's remarks, labeling them as disrespectful and predicting an apology might be forthcoming on the final day of the Test match.
The incident has added significant spice to an already intense contest, with Indian cricket fans eagerly awaiting how the team responds to these psychological mind games when play resumes on the fifth and final day.
