The second Test between India and South Africa in Guwahati took an unexpected turn off the field when Proteas coach Shukri Conrad's choice of words created a significant stir. Following Day Four's play, Conrad's comment that his team wanted to make India "grovel" resurrected a term with a deeply problematic history in cricket, leading to widespread discussion and concern.
The Controversial Comment and Its Historical Weight
The word "grovel" is not just another sporting taunt. It carries a heavy historical burden, first infamously used by former South Africa-born England captain Tony Greig in 1976 ahead of a series against the West Indies. Greig's comment was widely perceived as racially charged, making Conrad's modern usage a sensitive issue. The remark quickly generated chatter among fans and pundits, who questioned the appropriateness of the language given its past context.
Captain Bavuma's Diplomatic Response
South African captain Temba Bavuma faced the media and navigated the controversy with care. While he did not explicitly endorse his coach's statement, he provided context, suggesting there may have been provocation during the intense two-match series. "We understand the intensity of the series," Bavuma stated, acknowledging the high stakes. He added, "And as we have seen, there have been times where certain guys have crossed the line. But those are things that happen within the game."
This was widely interpreted as a probable reference to Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah's alleged 'bauna' (dwarf) jibe during the first Test in Kolkata. In defending his experienced coach, Bavuma pointed to Conrad's age and vast knowledge of the game. "Shukri is 60 years old and has a lot of experience. I'm not saying that the coach has crossed the line, but I think he'll have an opportunity to speak more to that," the captain remarked, indicating the matter was not fully closed.
Broader Implications for the Sport
This incident highlights the fine line between competitive banter and offensive language in international cricket. The revival of a term like "grovel" forces a conversation about the sport's historical baggage and the responsibility of figures in leadership positions. As the teams prepared for the final day's play, the focus was split between the mountain of runs India needed to climb and the verbal duel that had escalated beyond the boundary rope. The episode serves as a reminder that in the modern era, words are scrutinized as much as actions, and historical context is never far from the surface.
