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New Delhi: Apart from South Africa's dominance over India, off the field comments have also grabbed headlines, one which could have been easily avoided considering the amicable conduct of players in the series.
A little bit of restraint goes a long way from avoiding needless controversy but regrettably emotions got the better of players and coaches in the two-match contest.
South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma didn't make much of Jasprit Bumrah's 'bauna' comment in reference to height in the first Test in Kolkata but after their victory in the series-concluding second Test in Guwahati he revisited those comments.
"In this series certain guys have also crossed the line. Not saying coach crossed the line, but he will surely think about it," the right-arm batter said following their 408-run victory on Wednesday.
Bavuma also didn’t defend his coach Shukri Conrad for his ‘grovel’ comment on eve of their victory on Tuesday, though he tried to downplay it.
"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 an attempt to rub salt in India’s woes ahead of South Africa’s impending victory, Conrad said: “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 and an hour this evening."
For lack of a better word, Conrad used a phrase that has racial undertones made infamous by late England skipper Tony Greig before the 1976 home series against West Indies.
His choice of words evoked a sense of disappointment from multiple former cricketers of both teams, including legends Anil Kumble and Dale Steyn.
“There are certain things you just don’t say. There’s stigma attached to it. It just wasn’t necessary. South Africa were in such a dominant position—saying nothing is enough. I’m just not on that boat,” Steyn said.
“I think when you are on top, the choice of words is extremely important. I think humility when you are on top is the most important. I certainly didn't expect this from South Africa, especially from the support staff or the coach. When you are actually winning, the first thing is to stay humble. The last thing you can do is to have this kind of choice of words, especially in a press conference,” Kumble remarked on JioStar.
