NEW DELHI: South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad found himself at the centre of a major controversy after his "wanted India to really grovel" remark, which even drew criticism from the country's fast-bowling great Dale Steyn.

Steyn clarified that he simply does not endorse Conrad's comment, adding that such a remark was unnecessary when South Africa were already in a commanding position.

'Not expected from a coach': Anil Kumble blasts Shukri Conrad's 'grovel' jibe

"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," Steyn said on Cricket Live.

"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."

Conrad sparked controversy with his comments during the press conference following Day 4 of the second Test against India in Guwahati. He said he wanted his team to make India 'grovel' on the fourth day by setting the massive 549-run target that the hosts are currently chasing to avoid a series whitewash.

Conrad mentioned that he was "stealing a phrase" from the infamous interview by late England skipper Tony Greig before the 1976 home series against Clive Lloyd's West Indies which his team lost 0-3.

"We wanted India 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 well come and survive on the last day and an hour this evening," Conrad said.