Top 5 experts who slammed Shukri Conrad’s ‘grovel’ comment during IND vs SA 2025 2nd Test ft. Anil Kumble 

South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad stole the headlines despite his side being on the cusp of history after a dominant Day 4 in the second Test against India at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. Addressing the Proteas’ puzzling late declaration in the second innings, the coach admitted that he wanted the hosts to ‘grovel’.

Cricket, unfortunately, does not have a colorful past. Classism, racism, and all of the other thinkable problems that have plagued society in the last century have found a way to seep into cricket as well. In a way, it is ironic that a South African, among those who have had to suffer in cricket possibly more than anyone else, has used such a derogatory remark.

“Obviously, we wanted the Indians to spend as much time on their feet out in the field, we wanted them to really grovel, to steal a phrase, bat them completely out the game, and then say to them ‘Come and survive on the last day and an hour this evening.’ So, so far so good, but we also know that they’re not just going to roll over, we’re going to have to be at our very best in the morning,” the head coach had said during the press conference after Day 4 (via ESPN Cricinfo).

The reason the use of the word ‘grovel’ is being chastised, is because of the way it was used by former England captain Tony Greig ahead of a home Test series against the West Indies in 1976. The term, which has layers of racism associated with it, was not taken kindly by Clive Lloyd and co, who proceeded to hammer the English side 3-0.

Conrad’s invoking such a term has certainly caught the cricketing fraternity by surprise, but unsurprisingly, they have not held back by any means. On that note, let us take a look at the top five experts who slammed Shukri Conrad’s ‘grovel’ comment during IND vs SA 2025 2nd Test.

#1 Aakash Chopra

The former India opener stated that Rishabh Pant and co. should be made aware of the weight of the words used by Conrad, and use it to strengthen their resolve as they head into a challenging Day 5.

“I hope everyone in the Indian dressing room has been made to understand what exactly it means and a little bit of history lesson on when it was last used by someone in Cricket. And what happened next,” Aakash Chopra posted on X.

#2 Anil Kumble

The legendary Indian spinner explained what the term signifies in cricket’s history, and slammed the South African coach for bringing such a term up and veering away from humility.

“There’s history attached to this. Fifty years ago, an England captain used the same phrase against the great West Indies side, and we all know what followed. South Africa have most likely won the series, but when you’re on top, your choice of words matters. Humility is most important at such times. I certainly didn’t expect this—from the coach or the support staff. When you’re winning, the first thing is to stay humble, not say something like this at a press conference,” Anil Kumble said on Star Sports (via Hindustan Times).

#3 Cheteshwar Pujara

The former India batter opined that the usage of such a term should ignite the Men in Blue, and urged them to respond with the bat by fighting hard for the draw and avoiding a whitewash.

“It does fire up the team, but it will hurt as well. I don’t think that statement will go down well in the dressing room. But the best way to answer it is to fight it out—bat three sessions, build partnerships. We’re in this position because we haven’t played good cricket, and the response has to come with the bat, not through words,” Cheteshwar Pujara said on Star Sports (via Hindustan Times).

#4 Parthiv Patel

The former India wicket-keeper noted Conrad’s body language when he used the word in question, and termed it to be disrespectful. He further stated that the Men in Blue have to applaud South Africa’s performance, but should not tolerate the use of such words.

“Maybe the South African coach does not know the weightage of the word. But I don’t think so. There was a smirk on his face when he said it. There is no doubt that it was disrespectful. As the Indian team all you do is tell them that ‘You’ve come to this situation by playing well. Well done to you. But there was no need to use such words’. I think through the day we will see an apology from Conrad. I don’t think such things are needed on the cricketing field. You can fight, play hard, but such things are not needed,” Parthiv Patel said on Star Sports (via Indian Express).

#5 Dale Steyn

The former South African pacer disagreed with his fellow countryman’s choice of language, and questioned the need for it. Steyn feels that Conrad did not intend it to be as harsh as when Tony Greig initially used it, but he remarks that it does not justify the use of the word.

“I’m not on that boat, eh? I don’t like that. I almost don’t even want to make a comment about it,” Steyn said, visibly uneasy. “There are certain things you just don’t say. There’s stigma attached to it. It just wasn’t necessary. South Africa were in such a dominant position—saying nothing is enough. I’m just not on that boat,” Dale Steyn said on Star Sports (via Hindustan Times).

“Maybe I pick up his tone now—it’s not as harsh as Tony Greig’s. But that doesn’t matter. You just don’t use words like that. Toss it. You don’t have to say it. That’s disappointing. Sorry, Shukri, but that’s disappointing,” he added.