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After Day 4’s play, it was pretty evident that an out-of-form depleted Indian batting lineup won’t be able to chase down 509. South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad in the post-day press conference was asked why the declaration was delayed and he replied by saying they wanted to make India “grovel”. The comment led to controversy. Not just India legends Anil Kumble, Cheteshwar Pujara but South Africa’s Dale Steyn criticised the usage of word, similar to what England captain Tony Greig used in 1976 before series against West Indies. After South Africa’s 408-run historic win to complete 2-0 whitewash, Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma was asked about the comment. Bavuma doused the flames by saying Conrad is 60 years old.
"Comments made by coach came to me this morning. I was focused on 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 in the post-match press conference at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati.
Bavuma went on to recall the comment made by Jasprit Bumrah about his height. Bumrah had called Bavuma 'bauna' during conversation about DRS following a lbw appeal.
"But in this series certain guys have also crossed the line. Not saying coach crossed the line, but he will surely think about it," Bavuma added.
Bavuma’s golden Test captaincy run continues
With a record-breaking win in Guwahati to win a Test series on Indian soil after 25 years, Bavuma broke a captaincy record. Now, he holds the record for most wins as Test captain after 12 Tests. This was Bavuma's 11th win as Test skipper. The previous record of 10 out of 12 Test wins belongs to England's Ben Stokes and former Australia captain Lindsay Hassett. Bavuma is yet to lose a Test as captain. The only draw in his tenure came in a rain-affected encounter at Port of Spain in 2024.
The win helped South Africa improve their win percentage to 75. Currently, the reigning WTC champions are placed second on the points table.
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