Kumble and Pujara React to SA Coach's 'Grovel' Comment
The recent remarks made by South Africa's head coach, Shukri Conrad, during the Guwahati Test have stirred significant controversy. His use of the word "grovel" while discussing India's situation has garnered sharp criticism from former Indian cricketers like Anil Kumble and Cheteshwar Pujara. Kumble emphasized that such language is inappropriate in modern cricket, especially from a team that is performing well. He recalled a similar comment made decades ago by an English captain, which led to a devastating defeat for England against the West Indies.
Speaking on a cricket show, Kumble expressed his disappointment, stating, "When you're on top, your choice of words matters. Humility is crucial at such times." He pointed out that such comments can lead to unnecessary tension and rivalry, especially when the world is increasingly promoting sportsmanship and respect among teams.
Cheteshwar Pujara supported Kumble's views, acknowledging the impact of Conrad's words on the Indian team. He stated that while the comment might fire up the players, it could also hurt their morale. Pujara stressed the importance of responding through performance rather than letting emotions dictate actions. "The best way to answer it is to fight it out—bat three sessions, build partnerships," he said. His focus remains on improving the team's performance rather than engaging in verbal confrontations.
Aakash Chopra, another former cricketer, took a more direct approach by referencing the historical significance of the term used by Conrad. He reminded everyone of its infamous past, emphasizing the need for the Indian team to understand the weight of the words and the historical context behind them. This remark from a South African coach, who speaks about a team with its own legacy of battling discrimination, adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
As the series progresses, it remains to be seen whether Cricket South Africa will address this comment internally. However, the incident has already injected a new layer of tension into a series that had been relatively controversy-free until now. With the Indian team looking to respond strongly, fans are eager to see if they can channel this frustration into a powerful performance on the field.
