In the current Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024–25, Jasprit Bumrah has been the most impressive player with the ball. Several experts, including seasoned pundit Isa Guha, commended the renowned pacer for his incredible feats. But on Sunday, December 16, on Day 2 of the third Test match against Australia at the storied Gabba in Brisbane, she made a bizarre remark about the Indian pacer that landed her in hot water.
When describing the impact of Bumrah, who has taken 18 wickets in five innings on the trip, Guha made the egregious choice to refer to him as a “primate.”
As Bumrah extended his purple patch in the five-match series, Guha’s co-commentator Brett Lee showered him with praise throughout the first session of Sunday’s play.
Today, Bumrah: 2-4 in five overs. That’s the tone, and that’s what you want from the former skipper,” Lee stated.
Guha responded, “He’s the MVP, isn’t he? The most valuable primate is Jasprit Bumrah.
“He will be the one speaking for India, which is why there was so much attention paid to him in the lead-up to this Test match and his fitness.”
Given the long-standing historical hostility between Australia and India, Guha’s choice to refer to Bumrah as a “Primate” was odd.
When he called the late Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds a “monkey” at the Sydney Cricket Ground in 2008, Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh found himself embroiled in a scandal that lasted for years. After the event, India’s trip of Australia was on the verge of being cancelled. Harbhajan’s three-match punishment was later lifted. While playing for the Mumbai Indians in the 2011 Indian Premier League, Harbhajan and Symonds put their differences aside. The Australian cricket player, however, frequently discussed the controversy’s effects and how they affected his life.
During the show, Isa Guha continued to apologise, stating that she didn’t intend to offend anyone.
“In my statement yesterday, I used a word that has multiple meanings. I want to express my regret if I offended anyone. I hold myself to a very high standard when it comes to empathy and regard for other people. If you read the entire transcript, you will see that I simply had the utmost admiration for one of India’s best athletes. And a person I really respect. I’ve dedicated my professional life to considering inclusivity and understanding in the game, and I’m an advocate for equality,” she stated.
“I used the incorrect word to convey the scope of his accomplishment. I really apologise for that. As someone who is also of South Asian descent, I hope that people will see that there was no other malice or intention there. I also hope that this hasn’t overshadowed what has been an amazing Test match thus far, and I’m forward to watch how it develops,” she continued.
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