The cricket world is once again in an uproar. South Africa won the Test series between India and South Africa 2-0, but a statement by South African coach Shukri Conrad after the match proved to be like adding fuel to the fire.
In the second Test, South Africa had a 288-run lead in the first innings, yet they chose not to follow on and bat again.
When questioned about this decision in a press conference, Conrad said, “We wanted them (India) to really grovel.”
Meaning, he wanted India to really surrender. These words infuriated fans and experts.
Former Indian captain and legend Sunil Gavaskar directly criticized this statement. Speaking openly on JioHotstar’s show “Cricket Live,” Gavaskar said that the word was used inappropriately.
Gavaskar reminded that India played a major role in South Africa’s return to international cricket.
After a 20-year ban, it was the Indian Cricket Board that proposed his re-admission. And his first match upon his return was played in India.
These days, South Africa’s SA20 League is also being run with Indian support. Five out of six franchises are owned by Indian owners.
These players are not only supporting star players but also giving opportunities to minor players so they can build a career.
Gavaskar’s advice: No apologies, just admit your mistake
Gavaskar also highlighted the cricketing relationship between the two countries.
He said, “Indian and South African cricket have shared a positive, collaborative relationship for decades. Across all the years and encounters between the two teams, cricket has always been competitive and tough, but never hostile.
I have witnessed nearly every India-South Africa contest, and it has always been hard, fair cricket. Nothing beyond that. So yes, it may have been an ill-advised remark, wrong time, wrong place.”
Meaning, there has always been tough but fair cricket played between the two teams, never any animosity.
Gavaskar also added that while an apology is not necessary, Conrad should address it in his next press conference.
“I hope that in his next media interaction, he addresses it. I don’t think an apology is necessary; I personally don’t believe in apologies. But acknowledging it and making up for it would be accepted by everyone. These things happen. In the heat of the moment, you can get carried away and say something that goes a bit over the top.
Given the strong connection between Indian and South African cricket over the last 30 years, I think he can simply clarify that he got a bit carried away.”
Now it remains to be seen how Conrad reacts to this.
