NEW DELHI: South Africa captain Temba Bavuma on Wednesday sought to cool the temperature around head coach Shukri Conrad's controversial "really grovel" remark about India, offering a measured response amid growing criticism.
Conrad's choice of words-laden with historical baggage - sparked backlash from former cricketers in both countries, with legends like Anil Kumble and Dale Steyn publicly expressing their displeasure. The comment came while describing South Africa's commanding 2-0 win over India in the recently concluded Test series.
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Bavuma, however, distanced himself from the storm, saying the coach would "reflect on his comments" and implying that no offence was intended. The skipper's diplomatic stance appeared aimed at de-escalating the situation as the remark continued to draw attention and debate.
"Comments made by coach came to me this morning. I was focused on game and didn't have a chance to speak to him. Shukri is close to 60 years old and he will have a look at his comments," Bavuma said at the post-match press conference when asked about the comment that sparked a controversy.
Referring to the "bauna" comment made by Jasprit Bumrah to describe the South Africa skipper's height during the first Test in Kolkata, Bavuma added, "But in this series certain guys have also crossed the line. Not saying the coach crossed the line, but he will surely think about it."
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For the uninitiated, the word 'grovel' carries a cricketing context.
In 1976, when the West Indies arrived in England for a Test series as overwhelming favourites, then English captain Tony Greig during a pre-series interview said, "... I intend to make them (West Indies) grovel."
West Indies thrashed England 5-0 in the series and made Greig eat humble pie.
South Africa completed a 2-0 series sweep of India with a 408-run drubbing of the hosts in the second Test here, having entered the game after a 30-run victory in Kolkata.
Conrad made the comments after the end of fourth day's play in the second Test with his team in a commanding position to win their first Test series in India in 25 years.
(With PTI Inputs)
'Lines were crossed': Temba Bavuma drags Jasprit Bumrah's 'bauna' comment into Shukri Conrad's 'grovel' remark row
NEW DELHI: South Africa captain Temba Bavuma on Wednesday sought to cool the temperature around head coach Shukri Conrad's controversial "really grovel" remark about India, offering a measured response amid growing criticism.
Conrad's choice of words-laden with historical baggage - sparked backlash from former cricketers in both countries, with legends like Anil Kumble and Dale Steyn publicly expressing their displeasure. The comment came while describing South Africa's commanding 2-0 win over India in the recently concluded Test series.
Unbeaten run! Temba Bavuma rewriting the record books for South Africa
Bavuma, however, distanced himself from the storm, saying the coach would "reflect on his comments" and implying that no offence was intended. The skipper's diplomatic stance appeared aimed at de-escalating the situation as the remark continued to draw attention and debate.
"Comments made by coach came to me this morning. I was focused on game and didn't have a chance to speak to him. Shukri is close to 60 years old and he will have a look at his comments," Bavuma said at the post-match press conference when asked about the comment that sparked a controversy.
Referring to the "bauna" comment made by Jasprit Bumrah to describe the South Africa skipper's height during the first Test in Kolkata, Bavuma added, "But in this series certain guys have also crossed the line. Not saying the coach crossed the line, but he will surely think about it."
Guwahati defeat marks fresh low for India with string of unwanted records
For the uninitiated, the word 'grovel' carries a cricketing context.
In 1976, when the West Indies arrived in England for a Test series as overwhelming favourites, then English captain Tony Greig during a pre-series interview said, "... I intend to make them (West Indies) grovel."
West Indies thrashed England 5-0 in the series and made Greig eat humble pie.
South Africa completed a 2-0 series sweep of India with a 408-run drubbing of the hosts in the second Test here, having entered the game after a 30-run victory in Kolkata.
Conrad made the comments after the end of fourth day's play in the second Test with his team in a commanding position to win their first Test series in India in 25 years.
(With PTI Inputs)