South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad (left) talks to captain Temba Bavuma. (AP photo) NEW DELHI: South Africa captain Temba Bavuma has tackled the controversy surrounding Proteas head coach Shukri Conrad’s “grove” comment during the recent tour of India, admitting the phrasing was unfortunate and insisting it reflected the intensity of the fiercely contested Test series rather than any deeper intent.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SIGN UP NOW!South Africa enjoyed a historic red-ball campaign in India, securing a 2-0 Test series milestone to end a 25-year wait before losing both ODI and T20I series. While the tour was largely competitive and respectful, Conrad’s remarks during the second Test in Guwahati briefly diverted attention.
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Bavuma revealed in his ESPNcricinfo column that he too was concerned when he first heard the comment. “When I first heard about it, it had a nasty taste to it,” Bavuma wrote, referring to Conrad’s statement that South Africa wanted to bring India down.The comment drew comparisons to past racially charged remarks at the game, prompting intense media scrutiny. Bavuma said he was repeatedly asked to clarify the coach’s intention. “Shukri also took a bit of flak for his ‘grove’ remark. I was under pressure from the media on this side and he asked me to clarify the comments that were made,” he said.
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Bavuma added that Conrad was in the best position to explain himself and he eventually did. “I thought Shukri was the man best placed to give context to all this,” he wrote. “Shukri spoke after the ODI series and put the issue to bed. In hindsight, he said he could have chosen a better word and I agree with him.”The South Africa captain framed the episode as a reminder of how emotionally charged the series was for his group. “I think it just reminded me how tough and competitive the Test series was and what it meant to some individuals in the group,” Bavuma said.
