South Africa’s captain Temba Bavuma addresses a press conference. (Image: PTI Photo/Shahbaz Khan) South Africa cricket team captain Temba Bavuma responded on Wednesday to head coach Shukri Conrad’s controversial “grovel” comments about India, suggesting the coach would review his remarks. The statement had drawn criticism from cricket legends including Anil Kumble and Dale Steyn due to its historical context in the sport.”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 said at the post-match press conference.
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Bavuma also referenced a previous incident involving Indian player Jasprit Bumrah. “But in this series certain guys have also crossed the line. Not saying coach crossed the line, but he will surely think about it,” he stated, referring to Bumrah’s “bauna” comment about his height during the first Test in Kolkata.The word “grovel” carries significant historical weight in cricket, dating back to 1976 when English captain Tony Greig said about the West Indies team, “… I intend to make them grovel.” The West Indies went on to defeat England 3-0 in that five match Test series.Conrad made his controversial remarks after the fourth day of the second Test, with South Africa in a strong position to win their first Test series in India in 25 years.South Africa ultimately secured a 2-0 series victory over India, winning the first Test in Kolkata by 30 runs and the second Test by 408 runs.The controversial statement and its aftermath have sparked discussions among cricket veterans from both nations, particularly given the word’s historical significance in the sport.