Temba Bavuma links Jasprit Bumrah’s ‘Bauna’ remark to ongoing ‘Grovel’ controversy

South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma opened up about head coach Shukri Conrad’s “grovel” comment following the second and final Test against Team India in Guwahati on Wednesday, November 26. Bavuma also recalled Jasprit Bumrah’s earlier “bauna” jibe about his height during the first Test in Kolkata.

Conrad faced backlash from several former Indian players. The head coach stated that he wanted India to “really grovel” after keeping them on the field for hours. Anil Kumble, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Aakash Chopra said that it was unnecessary and disappointing, given the historical weight associated with the word.

Temba Bavuma Distances Himself from Shukri Conrad’s “Grovel” Comment

Speaking after the match, Temba Bavuma distanced himself from Shukri Conrad’s “grovel” comment, saying he had only heard the remarks that morning. Bavuma stated that he hadn’t discussed it with Conrad and that the coach would review his own words.

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"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 at the post-match press conference when asked about the comment that sparked a controversy.

Why “Grovel” Remains a Sensitive Term in Cricket

The term “grovel” carries a sensitive and controversial history in cricket. It was used in 1976, when England captain Tony Greig said that he intended to make the West Indies “grovel” before a home series. The remark angered Clive Lloyd’s side, who responded with a ruthless display.

The West Indies went on to crush England 3-0. Viv Richards scored an extraordinary 829 runs, while Michael Holding picked up 28 wickets. Greig was heavily criticized for his comment, lost respect within the cricketing world, and played only a few more Tests before losing the captaincy.

Shukri Conrad used the same word during the second Test against India. He made the remark after Day 4, when his team was on the brink of securing a rare series win on Indian soil.

South Africa eventually completed a 2-0 sweep, following a massive 408-run victory in Guwahati. It marked their first Test series triumph in India in 25 years. The Proteas secured a 30-run victory in the series opener in Kolkata.

Temba Bavuma Recalls Jasprit Bumrah’s “Bauna” Jibe After Series Win

Temba Bavuma also pointed out that verbal exchanges had gone both ways in the series. He recalled Jasprit Bumrah’s earlier “bauna” jibe about his height during the first Test in Kolkata.

"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," Bavuma added.

During the opening Test in Kolkata, a stump-mic recorded a remark Jasprit Bumrah made about Temba Bavuma’s height. The fast bowler was heard telling wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant, “bauna bhi hai,” during an LBW appeal. The Hindi phrase, referring to someone as short or dwarf-like, sparked criticism.

Also read: Watch: Marco Jansen takes exceptional catch to dismiss Mohammed Siraj and humiliate India in Guwahati Test