"Can be interpreted in a number of different ways" - Commentator apologizes after controversial Jasprit Bumrah comment in BGT 2024-25 3rd Test
Renowned English commentator and former player Isa Guha apologized over her controversial on-air remark while describing India pacer Jasprit Bumrah following his exceptional display in the ongoing third Test against Australia at The Gabba. She described Bumrah as the 'Most Valuable Primate' during commentary, which led to a wide degree of outrage and criticism on social media.
The incident drew similarity to the infamous 'Monkeygate' saga of the 2008 Border-Gavaskar series, where Harbhajan Singh was accused of racially abusing Andrew Symonds. That particular incident saw a lot of attention, culminating in a suspension for Harbhajan Singh, later rescinded following a court hearing.
Isa Guha began her stint on-air on Day 3 by setting the record straight and issuing an apology for the nature of the remarks she made the previous day (Sunday, December 15).
"Yesterday in commentary I used a word that can be interpreted in a number of different ways. I'd like to apologise for any offence caused. I set myself really high standards when it comes to empathy and respect of others," Isa Guha said during commentary (via Yahoo Sports)
"If you listen to the full transcript I only meant the highest praise for one of India's greatest players. And someone that I admire greatly. I'm an advocate for equality and someone who has spent their career thinking about inclusion and understanding in the game," she added
Jasprit Bumrah had picked up a memorable five-wicket haul on Day 2, single-handedly keeping India in the contest. The right-arm pacer dismissed Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head in a single over to attain the feat for the second time in the series.
"I was trying to frame the enormity of his achievement and I've chosen the wrong word" - Isa Guha on her remarks on Bumrah
While being born in England, and playing for the country for an entire decade, Isa Guha's heritage is Indian, with both her parents hailing from the subcontinent. They emigrated from West Bengal to England long before she was born in 1985.
"I was trying to frame the enormity of his achievement and I've chosen the wrong word. And for that I am deeply sorry. As someone who is also of south Asian heritage I hope people would recognise there was no other intention or malice there, and I hope this hasn't overshadowed what has been a great Test match so far - and I look forward to seeing how it progresses," Guha remarked
Former India player, and head coach, Ravi Shastri, was also on-air during Guha's apology. He commended his colleague for owning up to her mistake and clarified that there is no issue in the Indian camp regarding the controversial remark on Bumrah.
Australia are looking to pile on more misery on the Indian bowlers after choosing not to declare overnight. Day 3 was marred with a brief spell of rain, but action has resumed since. Australia concluded their innings at 445/10 in 117.1 overs and Bumrah ended with a six-wicket haul.