India, Nov. 25 -- South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad sparked a fresh wave of debate ahead of Day 5 with a stinging remark directed at India while defending his bold declaration call in Guwahati. With the hosts already reeling, his comments added another layer of intensity and threw down a challenge to an India side needing a monumental 522 runs, a target well beyond reach, with only eight wickets in hand.

Conrad made the remark during his Tuesday press conference at the Barsapara Stadium after the close of Day 4, when he was asked about South Africa's declaration. He revealed that the plan was to make India "grovel" by setting a towering 549-run target, one the struggling hosts are now chasing to avoid defeat in the second Test and a ...