Did Virat Kohli And Rohit Sharma Avoid Handshakes With Shukri Conrad After The 'Grovel' Controversy? | Watch

A video is doing the rounds on social media claiming Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma snubbed South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad after the first ODI.
The two-match Test series between India and South Africa turned out to be an amicable affair with barely any controversy until Shukri Conrad made a controversial remark after the fourth day’s play of the 2nd Test in Guwahati. Following South Africa’s dominant display with the bat, Conrad, their head coach, was asked why they continued to bat despite taking a sizeable lead in the second innings, and he replied that the aim was to make India ‘grovel’.
Given the historical context, his remark triggered criticism with the likes of Anil Kumble and Dale Steyn expressing their displeasure.
A video with the claim that India batting stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma snubbed Conrad after the home team’s victory in the first ODI of the ongoing three-match series is doing the rounds on social media.
The purported incident is from the customary post-match handshakes between the two teams in Ranchi when India recorded a thrilling 17-run win in a high-scoring contest.
However, another clip shot from a different angle debunks the claim with former captain Rohit clearly shaking hands with Conrad. However, there’s no evidence of Kohli greeting Conrad.
What Shukri Conrad Said?
Speaking to the reporters last month in Guwahati, Conrad ‘stole’ a phrase from the infamous remarks made by the late Tony Greig ahead of a Test series between England and West Indies when he said, “I’m not really sure they’re (West Indies) as good as everyone thinks. These guys, if they get on top they are magnificent cricketers. But if they’re down, they grovel, and I intend, with the help of Closey (Brian Close) and a few others, to make them grovel."
The comments drew widespread condemnation for several reasons, including their racial overtones, as Greig, the then England captain, was born in South Africa.
Conrad said they wanted to bat India out of the game.
“We wanted India to spend as much time on their feet out in the field. We wanted them to really grovel, to steal a phrase, bat them completely out of the game," he said.
Later, South Africa captain Temba Bavuma also condemned the remark while hoping Conrad will revisit his remark.