South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad triggered a major controversy on Saturday after using the term “grovel” while describing his team’s intent against India during the second Test in Guwahati. The remark, made after South Africa seized full control on Day 4, left several journalists stunned and quickly drew criticism from Indian cricketing greats.

Although the word itself is not inherently racist, it carries heavy historical baggage in cricket due to its association with racial tension and colonial undertones, making Conrad’s usage particularly sensitive.

Why the word “grovel” is controversial?

The term became infamous during the 1976 England tour of the West Indies, when England captain Tony Greig, a white South African-born cricketer, provocatively declared that his team would make the West Indies “grovel.” The comment was widely condemned as racially insensitive, especially given the political climate and historical power dynamics of the time.

Since then, “grovel” has remained a charged word within cricketing discourse, often viewed as disrespectful when used toward teams with diverse racial or colonial histories.

SA head coach says he was “stealing a phrase”

Speaking after South Africa set India a mammoth target of over 500 runs, Conrad doubled down on his team’s aggressive mindset.

“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 the game and then say to them, well, come and survive on the last day,” he told reporters.

The coach’s casual use of the term immediately stirred debate, with many questioning the need to invoke such a phrase while on the verge of a historic victory.

Former India captain and spin legend Anil Kumble expressed shock at Conrad’s remarks, urging humility from the South African camp.

“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 Star Sports India.

“South Africa may have won the series, but when you’re on top, your choice of words matters. Humility is most important at such times.”

Kumble noted that he expected better judgment from a seasoned coach representing a team on the brink of a landmark Test series win in India.

“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.”

Also READ: Fans erupt as Tristan Stubbs leads South Africa’s dominance over India on Day 4 of the Guwahati Test

Cheteshwar Pujara believes Conrad’s remark will “fire up” Team India 

India batter Cheteshwar Pujara also weighed in, acknowledging that Conrad’s remarks would sting the dressing room but could motivate the team heading into the final day.

“It does fire up the team, but it will hurt as well. I don’t think that statement will go down well,” Pujara said.

“The best way to respond is to fight – bat three sessions, build partnerships. We’re in this position because we haven’t played good cricket, and the answer must come with the bat, not with words.”

With India facing an uphill battle to save the Test, Conrad’s comments have injected fresh emotional intensity into an already heated contest.

As both teams prepare for the decisive final day, all eyes will be on how Team India responds on the field to a remark that has reopened historical wounds and stirred modern-day cricketing pride.

Also READ: Iceland Cricket takes a brutal dig at Gautam Gambhir amid India’s below-par show in Test cricket

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Spanning the eastern halves of Vakola, Kalina and Bandra, H East ward is struggling with chronic civic issues even as it grows in political importance.Residents face persistent low water pressure, instances of supply contamination, mounting traffic from the BKC, overflowing garbage, dust from ongoing road concreting and unregulated autorickshaws. Against this backdrop, shifting political dynamics and renewed ambitions among local leaders are setting the stage for a high-stakes civic election that will test whether the opposition can get a stronger foothold in this ward that sends ten corporators to BMC.

The political landscape here has been fluid. Congress leader Varsha Gaikwad claimed the Lok Sabha seat, whereas the assembly seat slipped to Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Varun Sardesai, cousin of Aaditya Thackeray, who unseated Zeeshan Siddique, currently with the NCP. The ward’s political weight was also evident as it was the one from where Vishwanath Mahadeshwar was elected mayor in 2017. With the opposition now holding power from the administrative ward both at the Centre and in the state, the civic polls will test whether that momentum translates into a stronger corporator tally.Akhil Chitre, a Sena (UBT) party worker previously with the MNS, said the party has always had a stronghold in the ward and it’s no surprise considering it’s also the home turf of the Thackeray family who reside at Matoshree in Bandra (East). “Ongoing road concreting has become a major pain point for the area. Smaller service roads are dug up leading to inconvenience to locals with dust flying all over. To add to it, motorists are seen taking all the internal roads whether from Bandra (East) or Santacruz (East) to make their way into BKC, clogging up what were previously quiet neighbourhoods,” he said. While unruly autorickshaws aren’t under the purview of BMC, the troubles locals face because of them need to be tackled.”Like in every election, many new candidates are aspiring to contest. Ajay Singh, BJP spokesperson from Vakola, who contested the 2002 corporation elections but failed to make the cut, said he wishes to contest again this year and will be asking the party for aticket from ward 89, won in 2017 by Sena, with the corporator siding with UBT when the party split. “Hawkers have taken over parts of the Vakola market and the dhobi ghat area, but no one is willing to address the issue,” said Singh.The number of Congress corporators in the ward declined from three in the 2012 polls to two in 2017. Former comparator Brian Miranda, who is keen on contesting this time, said, “Low water pressure leads to contamination. The problem has only become worse as redevelopment in thearea has translated into an increase in population.Open community bins left overflowing is also a big issue. One common spot is outside Bona Miranda Garden, Kalina.” Miranda was instrumental in the opening of the garden in March after a prolonged fight against a five-star hotel that failed to hand over the open space to BMC as required after completing construction.Residents like advocate Charles Dsa from the Voice of Kalina (VOK) group said, “Sweeping by conservancy workers only takes care of garbage, but dust keeps piling up. We have tried to repeatedly raise the issue with the local ward office during public grievances meetings, tonoavail.”

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NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, on the occasion of the Constitution Day, urged citizens to uphold their constitutional duties, saying these form the bedrock of a strong democracy.In a letter to citizens on Constitution Day, PM Modi underlined the responsibility of strengthening democracy by exercising the right to vote, and suggested that schools and colleges mark the day by honouring first-time voters who have turned 18.He recalled Mahatma Gandhi’s belief that rights naturally arise from the performance of duties, noting that adhering to one’s duties forms the basis of social and economic progress.“It is the power of our Constitution that enabled a person like me, coming from a humble and economically disadvantaged family, to serve as the Head of the Government continuously for over 24 years,” wrote PM Modi. He said that the choices made today will shape future generations, urging citizens to keep their duties at the forefront as the country pursues the goal of a Viksit Bharat.“Our Constitution gives utmost importance to human dignity, equality and liberty. While it empowers us with rights, it also reminds us of our duties as citizens, which we should always try to fulfil. These duties are the foundation of a strong democracy,” the Prime Minister said in a post on X.He also paid homage to the architects of the Constitution, writing, “Their vision and foresight continue to motivate us in our pursuit of building a Viksit Bharat.”Prime Minister Narendra Modi also said that the day marks the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Bhagwan Birsa Munda, noting that both leaders had played pivotal roles in shaping India. He credited Patel’s leadership for India’s political integration and said it was his example that inspired the move to revoke Articles 370 and 35A, bringing the Constitution fully into force in Jammu & Kashmir. PM Modi hailed Birsa Munda’s legacy, which he said continues to guide the country’s commitment to justice and empowerment for tribal communities.“It marks the 150th birth anniversary of two extraordinary personalities, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Bhagwan Birsa Munda. Both of them made monumental contributions to our nation. Sardar Patel’s visionary leadership ensured the political unification of India. It was his inspiration and courage of conviction that guided our steps to act against Article 370 and 35(A). The Constitution of India is now fully in force in Jammu & Kashmir, ensuring all constitutional rights for the people, especially the women and marginalised communities. The life of Bhagwan Birsa Munda continues to inspire India’s resolve to ensure justice, dignity and empowerment for our tribal communities,” PM Modi said. PM further wrote: “Our Constitution has given us the right to vote. As citizens, it is our duty to never miss the opportunity to vote in national, state and local elections where we are registered. In order to inspire others, we can think of organising special ceremonies every 26th November in schools and colleges to celebrate those youngsters who are turning 18. This way our first-time voters will feel that in addition to being students, they are also active participants in the process of nation-building.“Concluding his letter PM wrote: “Let us, on this Constitution Day, reaffirm our pledge to fulfil our duties as citizens of this great nation. In doing so, we can all contribute meaningfully to the building of a Viksit Bharat that is developed and empowered.”

Anil Kumble and Shukri Conrad

NEW DELHI: South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad has ignited a fierce cricketing debate after using the word “grovel” while describing his team’s Day 4 strategy during the Guwahati Test. The remark — made after South Africa set India a fourth-innings target of over 500 — has drawn sharp reactions from former India captain Anil Kumble and senior batter Cheteshwar Pujara, both of whom said they were stunned by the choice of words.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Conrad, analysing South Africa’s dominant position at stumps, said he wanted India to be pushed to the brink both physically and mentally. “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,” Shukri Conrad said after Day 4.

The word immediately triggered outrage because of its charged historical context. “Grovel” was infamously used 50 years ago by England captain Tony Greig about the West Indies — a comment widely condemned and remembered as one of cricket’s most offensive episodes.Kumble, one of India’s most respected voices, said a team in South Africa’s position should have shown restraint.

“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. “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.”Pujara, speaking ahead of the final day’s play, suggested the comment might end up galvanising India instead of demoralising them.

Rishabh Pant & Kuldeep Yadav

Rishabh Pant’s first outing as India’s Test captain has been anything but smooth in the second Test in Guwahati, and tensions spilled over on Day 4 when he snapped at left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav for repeatedly delaying his overs. With South Africa continuing to extend their dominance and India’s bowlers looking increasingly ineffective, Pant’s irritation grew as Kuldeep’s slow approach attracted warnings from the umpires. Former India head coach Ravi Shastri later backed Pant’s reaction, saying the spinner’s sluggishness risked putting India in trouble over their over-rate.Click here to watch: Pant shouts at Kuldeep Yadav after repeated over-rate warnings The flashpoint arrived when Kuldeep was handed the ball for the 48th over of the South African innings. The wrist-spinner took an unusually long time sorting out his field before delivering the first ball, prompting a visibly annoyed Pant to intervene. As picked up by the stump microphone, Pant told him: “Pehla ball daal de yaar… aisa mat kar. Baar baar nahi bolunga (Just bowl the first ball. Don’t do this. I won’t keep repeating myself).”

Under ICC regulations, teams must be ready to bowl the next over within 60 seconds. Two breaches trigger warnings, while a third leads to a five-run penalty — something India could ill afford as the innings dragged on. Commentating at the time, Shastri immediately pointed out that Pant’s frustration was justified. “You can hear Rishabh Pant from the back,” he said. “It is completely understandable. They’ve already been warned for taking too long between overs.” Shastri added that a bowler at this level must be aware of his field placements before starting an over. “You can’t walk in and begin moving fielders every couple of balls. One glance should tell everyone where they need to be. Once a warning comes, that first ball needs to be delivered quickly — and that’s exactly what Pant was asking for.” This was not an isolated incident. Pant had also chastised Kuldeep on Day 1 for the same issue, again caught clearly on the stump mic. “Yaar, 30 seconds ka timer hai. Ghar pe khel rahe ho kya? Ek ball daal jaldi (There’s a 30-second timer. Are you playing in your backyard? Bowl quickly),” Pant told him earlier in the match. He then reminded the bowler of the consequences: “Yaar Kuldeep, dono baar warning le li (We’ve already got two warnings).” Pant’s exasperation was evident as he added: “Pura ek over thodi na chahiye. Mazak bana rakha hai Test cricket ko (You don’t need an entire over to move around. You’re turning Test cricket into a joke).”

Stock market today (AI image)

Stock market today: Nifty50 and BSE Sensex, the Indian equity benchmark indices, opened in green on Wednesday on positive global cues. While Nifty50 was above 26,000, BSE Sensex was up over 350 points. At 9:34 AM, Nifty50 was trading at 26,011.15, up 126 points or 0.49%. BSE Sensex was at 84,973.23, up 386 points or 0.46%.Dr. VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Investments Limited says, “Sometimes the market drifts without any apparent logic and reason. The very short-term movement can be against emerging fundamentals. The explanation for this indecisive movement can be found in technicals and market positioning related to futures expiry date. Often, on the expiry date the market witnesses high volatility in response to the speculative activity related to covering the short and long positions. Yesterday’s 74 point fall in Nifty despite the positive institutional buy figure of Rs 4697 crores is a case of such expiry-related volatility. The relevant question is: what should investors do during such indecisive movements in the market.”“The best strategy for retail investors is to refrain from trading and slowly accumulate fairy-valued high quality growth stocks which will be available at attractive valuations due to heightened volatility. Such stocks will bounce back soon. Investors’ psychological behaviour is more important in such contexts. Fundamentals indicate that the market is moving to a new high: It’s only a question of time. Investors’ response should be based on this understanding.”US stocks continued their upward trend on Tuesday as economic indicators supported expectations of the Federal Reserve’s third and final rate reduction in December, whilst technology sector weakness limited Nasdaq’s advancement.Asian equities continued their positive performance for a third consecutive day, following US market gains as weak American consumer data increased expectations for a Federal Reserve rate reduction next month.Gold prices edged upwards in early Asian session on Wednesday, supported by positive sentiment regarding potential Federal Reserve interest rate reduction in December.Foreign institutional investors acquired shares valued at Rs 785 crore net on Tuesday. Domestic institutional investors registered net purchases of Rs 3,912 crore.(Disclaimer: Recommendations and views on the stock market, other asset classes or personal finance management tips given by experts are their own. These opinions do not represent the views of The Times of India)