Asked about Shukri Conrad’s “grovel” comments at the end of the second Test match, South Africa captain Temba Bavuma responded with a sharp retort at a press conference on Wednesday 26 November. After saying Conrad would certainly look at his own words, Bavuma reminded the press of the comments made against him in the first Test, saying there were certain individuals who crossed the line in the recently concluded two-match series.
Bavum’s reminder was aimed at Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah’s comment in the first Test match where he called the South African captain “bauna” – meaning short. The Hindi word “bauna” is usually used for people of short stature, and its use in this context was considered potentially offensive by some, especially given the tense competitive atmosphere of the series.
“The coach’s comments came to me this morning. I was concentrating on the game and I didn’t get a chance to speak to him. Shukri is almost 60 years old and his comments will be looked at,” Bavuma said at the post-match press conference after the second Test.
“But in this series, some guys have also crossed the line. I’m not saying the coach has crossed the line, but he will definitely be thinking about it,” he added.
IND vs SA 2nd Test: Highlights | Scorecard
South Africa Hammer India
South Africa had India by the horns throughout the second Test match. After winning a tricky game in Kolkata, South Africa dominated the hosts in Guwahati, first putting in a commanding performance with the bat and then reducing India to poor totals in both innings of the game. Their clinical approach across all three departments highlighted the gulf between the two sides in terms of discipline, planning and execution.
Bavuma was proud of the team’s performance and said the South African side answered all the questions thrown at them at the start of the series, both from the media and critics who doubted their ability to compete in Indian conditions.
“It’s not every day that you think you can come to India and walk away with a 2-0 series win. I think what’s sweeter for some of us in the group as well is the fact that we’ve been on the other side of the result. We’ve had tough days and we know how tough it can be. But yeah, I think it was probably an incredible achievement again for this group of gentlemen, Bavu told us during this group.” ceremony after the match.
The captain said that the pre-tournament preparation was the biggest difference for the team and appreciated that every member of the team was fully committed and motivated to leave a mark against a strong Indian side playing at home.
“I think there’s been a big shift in our mindset in terms of what we want to do when we’re out there on the field. We want to play what’s in front of us and adjust accordingly. I think our preparation is something we’ve really improved. I think the guys are going out there pretty clear about their roles and what we’re trying to do. I think the biggest thing from a unit standpoint is that I think everybody wants to contribute.” that anyone can do that for the team, even guys coming off the bench, Muthusamy, guys, come in and be ready to play a game that will win, I think we’re in a good space, I think the way we’re performing out there will obviously give us even more confidence.
With the win, Test World Cup holders South Africa are now second in the WTC points table. So far they have won 3 of the 4 Tests played in the cycle.
– The end
Issued by:
Kingshuk Kusari
Published on:
November 26, 2025
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