WATCH: Not just Gautam Gambhir, SA coach Conrad also gets cold shoulder from Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli ignores SA head coach Conrad. (Photo: X)

As all know Virat Kohli is only playing one format (ODI) for the Indian cricket team at the moment and is living in London with his family, that doesn't mean he is not aware of the things happening around cricket in the country. He was not with the Test squad for the Test series when South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad's 'grovel' remark stirred controversy. However, by judging the way Kohli treated the 58-year-old, it's safe to say he was aware of everything.

Interestingly, Gautam Gambhir is not the only head coach Kohli ignored on Sunday (November 30). He ignored the Proteas head coach as well when the Men in Blue players walked up to the dressing room exchanging handshakes. In a video that’s circulating on social media, Kohli is seen walking straight past Conrad without any handshake or nod of the head.

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— Icy (@kohliciouss) December 2, 2025

At​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ the end of Day 4 of the second Test in Guwahati, Conrad made a statement that didn't sit well with many when he said, "We really wanted them to grovel." Even though Merriam-Webster describes grovel as lowering oneself or crawling in a submissive manner, the term has far deeper and more disputable meanings in cricket.

His remark made the Indian cricket fans deeply upset. Aakash Chopra, Anil Kumble, and Parthiv Patel disliked it  and Sunil Gavaskar also did not consider it as a mere joke but rather inappropriate, and hence, he even called for an apology.

On the contrary, when the reporter asked South Africa’s captain Temba Bavuma to comment on the matter, he did not answer. Instead, he indirectly referred to the Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant “Bauna” episode during the Kolkata Test, saying, “a line has been ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌crossed.”