Shukri Conrad, the head coach of the South African men's Test team, has found himself at the center of a controversy after using the word "grovel" in a press conference following the fourth day of the second Test match against India in Guwahati. His comment, "We wanted India to really grovel," has sparked outrage and accusations of racism due to the historical baggage associated with the term.
The controversy stems from an incident in 1976 when Tony Greig, the then-England captain who was also of South African origin, declared that his team would make the West Indies "grovel". Greig's remark, made against the backdrop of apartheid in South Africa and the colonial history of the sport, was widely perceived as racially insensitive and demeaning. The West Indies team, led by Clive Lloyd, used Greig's words as motivation, going on to win the series 3-0 in a dominant fashion.
Conrad's recent use of the word "grovel" has thus been interpreted by many as a revival of this painful historical episode. While the word itself isn't inherently racist, its association with Greig's comment and the racial dynamics of the time have made it a sensitive term in cricket. Critics argue that Conrad, as a South African, should have been aware of the word's loaded history, especially when speaking about a team from India, a nation that has historically stood against apartheid.
Following the day's play in Guwahati, Conrad explained the team's strategy, stating, "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". He also added, "So far so good, but we also know they're not just going to roll over. We're going to have to be at our very best tomorrow". South Africa's plan to keep India on the field for an extended period seemed to work, as they managed to get both Indian openers out cheaply, leaving India at 27 for 2 at the end of the day.
The remark has triggered a wave of reactions, with many expressing their disappointment and anger. Some fans and commentators have called for Conrad to apologize for his choice of words, while others have defended him, suggesting that he may not have been fully aware of the historical context. Gargi Raut, a sports journalist, commented, "Grovel carries a long history of deeply offensive, racial undertones. Maybe a slip of the tongue, but a costly one".
The incident has cast a shadow over the ongoing Test series, which South Africa leads 1-0. Regardless of Conrad's intent, the controversy serves as a reminder of the importance of historical awareness and sensitivity in sports, particularly when dealing with terms that carry a legacy of racial tension and inequality. It remains to be seen how this controversy will affect the relationship between the two cricketing nations and whether Conrad will address the concerns raised by his statement.
