South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad addressed the storm over his controversial “grovel” comment about India during last month’s Test series, where Proteas swept 2-0. Post India’s 2-1 ODI series win in Visakhapatnam, Conrad clarified no malice intended but conceded better word choice needed: “On reflection, it was never my intention to cause malice. I could have chosen a better word… Being humble is cornerstone of South African Test team.”

The Controversial Remark Revisited

Day 4 second Test presser: “We wanted India to spend as much time on their feet… really grovel, to steal a phrase, bat them out the game.” Meant forcing fielding fatigue via prolonged batting, but “grovel” (creep face-down) evoked racial history—England’s Tony Greig 1976 vow to make West Indies “grovel,” sparking racism accusations from Clive Lloyd and fans amid WI’s 3-0 series whitewash.

India backlash amplified after Kohli’s perceived handshake snubs (clarified for Rohit).

Conrad’s Post-Series Reflection

After SA’s ODI loss: “My thinking was India spending more time on field… careful about choosing word. No malice.” Humility emphasized post-Test success, ODI reverse.

Series context: India won Ranchi opener (Kohli 135), SA dew-aided Raipur chase (Markram ton vs Kohli 102, Gaikwad 105), India dominated Visakhapatnam (Rahul toss win post-20 streak, Jaiswal ton).

Conrad’s admission diffuses tension ahead T20Is, underscoring word sensitivity in cricket’s charged India-SA rivalry.

Historical Context: Greig’s 1976 “Grovel” Legacy

Term’s apartheid-era baggage (white SA-born Greig) lingers.