9 months ago
Conrad Clarifies 'Grovel' Remark, Acknowledges Distraction
Shukri Conrad, the South African cricket coach, used the word 'grovel' during a press conference after a match against India.
This word caused some controversy because it can mean to humble or submit, and some people thought it was not respectful.
Later, Conrad said he did not mean any harm and that 'grovel' is just a regular English word.
He wanted to make sure everyone understood that he was just trying to put pressure on the Indian team and not be disrespectful.
The issue happened after India won the ODI series against South Africa.
Conrad also talked about how his team missed a chance to win both the Test and ODI series and how they need to learn from the best players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
He also mentioned that one of their players, Tony de Zorzi, got injured and won't play in the upcoming T20 series.
Shukri Conrad clarified his 'grovel' comment, stating no malice was intended towards India.
The controversy arose from Conrad's post-match comments after South Africa lost to India in the ODI series.
Conrad used the term 'grovel' to describe his team's strategy to pressure India during the match.
The term 'grovel' has historical racial connotations, which added to the controversy.
Conrad admitted that the remark took attention away from South Africa's historic Test series win over India.
- Who
- Shukri Conrad, South African cricket coach
- What
- Clarification of the term 'grovel' used in a post-match press conference
- Where
- Visakhapatnam, India
- When
- December 06, 2025
- Why
- To address the controversy and clarify that no malice was intended
Conrad's Perspective
Critics' Perspective
Intention Behind the Word
Conrad's Perspective
Conrad stated that he intended no malice and only meant to describe a strategy to pressure India.
Critics' Perspective
Critics interpreted the word 'grovel' as disrespectful and with racial connotations.
Key facts
- Location of Clarification
- Visakhapatnam, India
- Date of Clarification
- December 06, 2025
- Match Outcome
- India won 2-1 in the ODI series
- Controversial Term
- Grovel
- Injured Player
- Tony de Zorzi
- Player of the Series
- Virat Kohli
Timeline
Gavaskar cracks joke: Uthappa in Langer's trousers.
Then, he slams Conrad's 'grovel' remark.
Conrad clarifies: 'Grovel' not disrespectful.
Tension eases after coach's explanation.
Quotes
Shukri Conrad
Head Coach of the South African cricket team
“We wanted them (India) to really grovel, to steal a phrase.”
indianexpress.com
“I think on reflection, it was never my intention to cause any malice or not be humble about anything. How could I have chosen a better word on reflection? Yeah, I could have been smarter. It (the word) left it open to people putting their own context to it, where the only context I ever intended it to be was for India to spend a lot of time and make it really tough for them.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
Shukri Conrad responds to ‘grovel’ comment against India: ‘Was never my intention to not be humble about anything’
Shukri Conrad Clarifies 'Grovel' Comment: 'Perfectly Good English Word But...'
'No malice intended': SA coach clarifies 'grovel' remark
Conrad admits ‘grovel’ remark dulled shine of South Africa’s historic Test win over India
'Never my intention to cause malice, couldve used a better word': SA coach Conrad reflects on grovel remark made during Guwahati Test
South Africa coach Shukri Conrad explains controversial 'grovel' comment in Guwahati: 'The only context I ever intended...'
