Shukri Conrad Clarifies ‘Grovel’ Remark After India Series Loss

Head coach of the South African cricket team, Shukri Conrad, recently addressed the controversy triggered by his remark that he wanted Indian cricket team to “grovel.” The comment was made during the second Test match between India and South Africa national cricket team — a series in which the Proteas achieved a clean sweep.

Speaking at the end of Day 4, once South Africa held a dominant position, Conrad said his team wanted India to spend as much time as possible fielding, to “bat them completely out of the game,” and to force them to “really grovel.”   The words stirred immediate backlash, as “grovel” is regarded as historically loaded and offensive in the context of international cricket.  

After South Africa lost the subsequent ODI series to India, Conrad finally responded to the backlash. He acknowledged that while his objective had been purely tactical — hoping India would stay on the field longer — he regretted choosing that particular word. He said: “On reflection, it was never my intention to cause some malice. I could have chosen a better word.” He emphasized that there was no ill-intent, and added that humility remains a key value of the South African Test side.  

Historical Context: A Word with Heavy Resonance

The term “grovel” carries deep historical baggage within cricket — most notably linked to a controversial statement made nearly half a century ago by Tony Greig. In 1976, on the eve of a Test series between West Indies cricket team and England cricket team, Greig declared that he intended “to make them grovel.” This comment provoked widespread outrage, as it was widely interpreted to have racial undertones.

The West Indies team responded emphatically: they played with conviction and secured a 3–0 series win. The “grovel” remark became a galvanizing moment that symbolised resistance against demeaning, racially charged language in sport.  

For many, therefore, Conrad’s use of the same word — even if unintended to carry malice — immediately reignited painful memories. What may have been a tactical choice in the moment was widely interpreted as tone-deaf, given cricket’s complex racial and colonial history.  

Conrad’s Explanation and the Debate Over Intent

Conrad’s explanation following the ODI series defeat came as a measured attempt to de-escalate the controversy. He insisted that the remark was a reflection of his team’s aggressive match-strategy — aimed at wearing down Indian batters — rather than an expression of disrespect. “I could have chosen a better word,” he admitted, stressing that his only intention was to keep India on the field longer, not to insult them.  

Still, critics argue that in a sport so intertwined with colonial and racial histories, leaders must choose their words with caution. The term “grovel” — given its past — carries connotations that transcend mere sporting bravado. Even if Conrad’s aim was purely competitive, many felt the comment betrayed a lack of sensitivity. This episode has once again underscored the importance of cultural awareness and historical context in international sport.