South African head coach Thank you Conrad sparked a huge controversy on Saturday after using the term “grovel” While explaining his team’s intentions against India Second Test in Guwahati. After South Africa took complete control on Day 4, it stunned several journalists and quickly drew a major criticism of Indian cricketing.
Although the word itself is not racist, it carries heavy historical baggage in cricket due to its association with racial tension and colonialism, making Conrad’s use particularly sensitive.
Why is the word “grovel” controversial?
The term was coined in 1976 by England’s Tony Greig, who announced that the West Indies had postponed England’s Tony Greig, a white South African cricketer, whose team would play the West Indies. “Grovel.” The comment was widely condemned as racially insensitive, especially given the political climate and historical power dynamics of the time.
Since then, “Grovel“Cricketing discusse remained a buzzword, often viewed as disrespectful when used against teams of different races or colonial histories.
The SA coach said it was “stealing a sentence”.
Speaking after South Africa Seth India, India fell twice in the aggressive mindset of Conrad’s team with a target of more than 500 runs.
“We wanted India to spend a lot of time on their feet. he told reporters.
The technical director’s casual use immediately stirred controversy, with many questioning whether such a statement should be invited on the verge of a historic victory.
Former Indian captain and spin legend Anil Kumbul In Conrad’s statements, the South African camp expressed humility calling for humility.
“There is an added history to this. Fifty years ago, an England captain used the same phrase against a great West Indies side and we all know what happened.” KUBME said on India’s Star Sports.
“South Africa can win the series, but when you’re on top, it’s important to choose your words. Humility is most important in these times.”
KUBMB noted that an experienced coach representing a team that has won a landmark test series in India makes a better decision.
“I expected it from the coach or the support staff. The first thing when you win is to stay humble, not to say something like that in the press conference.”
Read: Fans erupt like Tristan Stubbs
Cheteshwar Pujara reckons his team will ‘burn’ what Conrad mentioned
Indian fruit Cheteshwar Pujara He also weighed in, admitting that Conrad’s whims would taint the locker room but could lead to the team’s start to the final day.
“It fires up the team, but it’s going to hurt. I don’t think that statement will go down well.” Pujara said.
“The best way to respond is to fight back – three sessions with the bat, building a partnership. We didn’t play good cricket and it has to come with the bat, not with the response.”
With India facing an uphill battle to retain the Test, Conrad’s comments injected fresh emotional intensity into an already heated contest.
As both teams prepare for the decisive final day, all eyes will be on how Team India responds with a review that reopens historical wounds on the field and stirs the pride of modern-day martyrdom.
Read: Iceland cricketer takes a brutal dig at Gautam Gambhir in India’s below-par show in Test cricket
