Shukri Conrad, the South African coach, has come under heavy fire from former Indian cricketer Parthiv Patel for saying that he wants to make India “grovel” after stumps on Day 4 of the second Test in Guwahati.
In cricket history, Tony Greig of England is infamous for using the epithet “grovel” before to a 1976 series against the West Indies. The West Indies were enraged by Greig’s claim that he intended to make them “grovel,” and they proceeded to defeat England 3-0 in the five-match series.
Due to the controversy over Conrad’s usage of the phrase, the host broadcaster has asked former Indian players Anil Kumble, Parthiv Patel, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Akash Chopra for their opinions.
Parthiv was especially vocal, implying that an apology would be anticipated on the fifth day of the Test and showing no mercy on Conrad.
Perhaps the South African coach is unaware of the word’s significance. However, I don’t believe so. He said that with a sneer on his face. It was disrespectful, that much is clear. All you have to do as the Indian team is tell them, “You’ve come to this situation by playing well.” Congratulations. However, such words were unnecessary. I believe Conrad will apologise during the day. Such items, in my opinion, are unnecessary on the cricket pitch. You can play hard and fight, but that’s not necessary,” Parthiv stated on Star Sports.
India ended Day 4 at 27/2 in Guwahati, with their backs to the wall going into the final day. They had to bat all day to rescue a draw, but that was not to be as they lost the Test by a record 408 runs after being bowled out for just 140. After winning the first Test at Eden Gardens by 30 runs, South Africa went on to win the series 2-0.
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