India could have celebrated an exhilarating ODI victory towards South Africa in Ranchi, however the post-match second involving Virat Kohli and South Africa’s head coach Shukri Conrad has gained virtually as a lot consideration because the outcome itself. Kohli, after putting a match-winning century, appeared to stroll previous Conrad throughout the handshakes, fueling ideas that he selected to disregard him in response to the coach’s controversial “grovel” remark earlier within the tour.
The Remark That Triggered the Pressure
Throughout the Take a look at sequence previous the ODIs, Conrad had used the time period “grovel” whereas speaking about India’s struggles late within the match. That exact phrase is extremely delicate in cricketing historical past, related to a racially charged context from the Nineteen Seventies. Many inside the cricket neighborhood felt it was an pointless and disrespectful selection.
The comment shortly turned a speaking level, drawing criticism from former gamers, followers, and even commentators, who seen it as each provocative and poorly timed.
Kohli’s Silent Message?
Within the first ODI, Kohli responded in probably the most skilled method on the sphere, with a commanding hundred that arrange India’s victory. However as groups lined up for the post-match routine, cameras caught Kohli transferring immediately previous Conrad with out acknowledgement. Whether or not intentional or coincidental, the gesture was strongly interpreted as a message: Kohli would let his efficiency do the speaking reasonably than interact in verbal confrontation. The clip went viral on social media inside minutes, including depth to the continued debate over respect and accountability in worldwide sport.
No handshake, full ignore. The “grovel remark remains to be burning in Virat Kohli’s thoughts.#INDvSA
pic.twitter.com/zCDsTeumZm— BaklolCricker (BaklolCricker) December 2, 2025
Followers Applaud Kohli’s Composure
Supporters praised Kohli for taking the excessive street, selecting dignity over drama. Many argued that ignoring the remark publicly however responding by way of cricket was the proper reply. A number of observers additionally famous that such restraint displays Kohli’s maturity as a senior determine within the staff.
What’s Subsequent
South Africa will face India within the second ODI and can purpose to win to stage the sequence, whereas India could push themselves to win the match and seal the sequence in Raipur.