South Africa Clinch Historic Test Series in India After 25 Years

South Africa completed a historic Test series victory in India on November 26 in Guwahati, marking their first series win in the country in 25 years. Although the match was effectively sealed by the end of day four, the spotlight shifted away from the cricket itself and onto the comments made by South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad after stumps.

Conrad stirred controversy when he said his team batted deep into the final session to make the Indian players “grovel.” The remark quickly triggered backlash across social media, with fans and former players calling the word offensive and insensitive given its historical connotations.

Temba Bavuma Responds to Conrad’s Remarks

At the post-match press conference, South Africa captain Temba Bavuma was asked to clarify his stance on Conrad’s comments. Bavuma neither endorsed the choice of words nor dismissed the criticism, but he highlighted that certain Indian players had also crossed the line earlier in the series.

Bavuma was indirectly referring to Jasprit Bumrah, who during the first Test in Kolkata allegedly used a derogatory term, calling the Proteas skipper “bauna” — a slur aimed at a person’s height. The comment reportedly came while Bavuma was batting on day one, at a time when India appeared firmly in control after a double-strike from Bumrah.

“Comments made by the coach came to me this morning. I was focused on the game and didn’t have a chance to speak to him. Shukri is close to 60 years old and he will have a look at his comments,” Bavuma said. He added, “But in this series, certain guys have also crossed the line. Not saying the coach crossed the line, but he will surely think about it.”

Despite the early tension and heated exchanges, it was Bavuma and his South African side who finished on top — securing wins in Kolkata and ultimately taking the series. The off-field controversies may linger, but the Proteas’ on-field performance ensured they departed India with both the victory and the last word.