"Didn't expect..."- Anil Kumble calls for 'humility' against SA head coach's 'grovel' comment

South Africa head coach, Shukri Conrad, ignited a fierce cricketing debate after using the word ‘grovel’ while describing the team’s strategy on the fourth day of the second Test against India at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. They set a massive target of 549 runs for the Blue Brigade heading into the fourth innings.

Shukri Conrad analysed the dominant position of the Rainbow Nation at the end of the day’s play as he reckoned that he wanted to push the home side to the brink both physically and mentally. Conrad made the point in the press conference.

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“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 of the game, and then say to them, well, come and survive on the last day and an hour this evening. There were a few factors. We obviously were looking at how best we are going to use the new ball, so that in the morning, we still get a newish, hard ball.” Conrad expressed in the presser.

“History attached to this…”- Anil Kumble drops massive statement on SA head coach

The former captain and the head coach of the Indian cricket team, Anil Kumble, has given his voice on how a team in South Africa’s position should have shown restraint. The word ‘grovel’ triggered outrage and was used by Tony Greig about the Caribbean side.

“There is history attached to this. Fifty years ago, an England captain used the same phrase against the great West Indies side, and we all know what followed. South Africa has most likely won the series, but when you’re on top, your choice of words matters. Humility is the most important at such times. I certainly didn’t expect this from the coach or the support staff.” Kumble addressed on JioHotstar.

“There were a few factors. We obviously were looking at how best we are going to use the new ball, so that in the morning, we still get a newish, hard ball. We felt that when the shadows come across the pitch in the evening.” Conrad shed light.