Shukri Conrad's 'Grovel' Jibe Ignites Verbal Volley As Anil Kumble Schools SA Head Coach With 'Humility Most Important' Remark

India National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team Match Scorecard: South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad sparked controversy with his choice of words as he used the term "grovel" to explain his team's decision to prolong the second innings, drawing stern criticism from former India cricketers Anil Kumble and Cheteshwar Pujara.

Conrad cited that he was "stealing a phrase" from the infamous interview by late England captain 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 of the game and then say to them well, come and survive on the last day and an hour this evening," Conrad said at the post-play press conference.

ALSO READ: IND vs SA: Suresh Raina Backs Gautam Gambhir As India's Test Record Continues To Bitter, 'Not Coach's Fault, But Players'

Former India cricketers Kumble and Pujara took umbrage at both the language and the timing of the remark, highlighting thier unhappiness at the comment.

“There's 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,” Kumble said on Cricket Live.

“South Africa have most likely won the series, but when you're on top, your choice of words matters. Humility is most important at such times. I certainly didn't expect this from the coach or the support staff. When you're winning, the first thing is to stay humble, not say something like this at a press conference," he added.

ALSO READ: Smriti Mandhana's Father Discharged From Hospital, But No Clarity On New Wedding Date With Palash Muchhal: Report

Pujara echoed the sentiment, stating that the remark might end up invigorating India instead of discouraging the home side.

“It does fire up the team, but it will hurt as well. I don’t think that statement will go down well in the dressing room. But the best way to answer it is to fight it out—bat three sessions, build partnerships. We’re in this position because we haven’t played good cricket, and the response has to come with the bat, not through words," Pujara said.