“Nearly fell off my perch” - Fans react to Isa Guha’s controversial ‘Most Valuable Primate’ comment on Jasprit Bumrah on Day 2 of BGT 2024-25 3rd Test
Former English Women's cricketer-turned-commentator, Isa Guha made a racially sensitive statement on air about Jasprit Bumrah during Day 2 of the third BGT 2024-25 Test between India and Australia. The particular comment has drawn a lot of flak, with the internet reacting negatively to it.
Jasprit Bumrah has been in fine form in this series so far, picking up 17 wickets across five innings in which he has played. The pacer has been the most valuable player for the hosts so far, with the next-best in the wickets tally for the series being Mitchell Starc with 11 wickets to his name.
In a conversation with former Australian quick Brett Lee, Isa Guha used the term 'Most Valuable Primate' when addressing a query from Brett Lee. On air with Fox Cricket, Lee asked Guha:
"Bumrah, today: five overs, 2-4. So, that’s the tone, and that’s what you want from the ex-skipper."
In response, Isa Guha said:
"Well, he’s the MVP, isn’t he? Most valuable primate, Jasprit Bumrah."
Take a look at the video below: (via private X user Matt Krawczyk)
While there hasn't been any clarification issued on why such a statement was made, people online are fiercely reacting to the words said on air.
Take a look at a few of the reactions from X:
"Did Isa Guha holiday in Townsville or Longreach between tests? Calling Jasprit Bumrah the MVP but then breaking it down to a "Most Valuable Primate" a few minutes ago was something else," a user had to say.
Travis Head, Steven Smith headline with centuries on Day 2 of the BGT 2024-25 3rd Test
![Travis Head scored 152 runs in 160 balls, making this knock his second ton of the series. [Source: Getty]](https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/51904-17342518575810-1920.jpg?w=500)
Being sent in to bat first, Australia scored 28/0 in 13.2 overs before rain took center stage on Day 1. Travis Head (152 off 160) and Steven Smith (101 off 190) scored centuries as Australia ended Day 2 of the third BGT 2024-25 Test with 405/7 in 101 overs.
For India, only Jasprit Bumrah (5/72 in 25 overs) was the pick of the bowlers, returning with his second five-wicket haul of the BGT 2024-25. Mohammed Siraj and Nitish Kumar Reddy were the other two wicket-takers as Team India had a tough day on the field.