New Delhi: English commentator Isa Guha has apologised for her ‘primate’ comment on Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah after facing heavy backlash from all corners on Day 2 of the ongoing 3rd Test between India and Australia at the Gabba. Guha was slammed by fans on social media with many deeming her comment inappropriate and racial.
Bumrah, who has been arguably India’s best bowler in the series so far, was on top of his game once again during Australia’s first innings on Day 2 of the 3rd Test as he went on to claim a fifer. Bumrah bagged his 12th five-wicket haul in Tests as he waged a lone battle for India on a day when the Aussies dominated the proceedings with the help of centuries from Travis Head and Steve Smith.
Guha, who is on commentary duties in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, made a controversial remark while speaking about Bumrah on air. The English commentator referred to Bumrah as a ‘primate’ while praising him. “Well, he’s the MVP, isn’t he? Most valuable primate, Jasprit Bumrah,” Guha said on air while suggesting that the Indian pacer will need support from other bowling partners.
“He is the one that’s going to do all the talking for India and why so much focus was on him in the build up to this Test match and whether he would be fit. He needs some support though,” she added.
However, her ‘primate’ comment about the Indian pacer didn’t go down well with many, who slammed the English commentator for her wrong choice of words.
Isa Guha apologises
Guha issued an apology for her remarks on Bumrah in an on-air statement on Fox Cricket ahead of the start of Day 3 of the 3rd Test between India and Australia at the Gabba. The English commentator said she used a wrong word which can be interpreted in many different ways but she intended only to praise Bumrah, whom she considers one of India’s greatest players of all time.
“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,” Guha said on Fox 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.
“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,” he added.
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri, who was on air with Guha, praised her for her ‘brave’ apology and said no offence has been taken by any Indian player as far as her comment on Bumrah was concerned. Guha hoped after her apology that the controversy surrounding her comments on the Indian pacer won’t overshadow the action between India and Australia in the ongoing Test series.
Isa Guha has issued an apology for her ‘primate’ comment on Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah after facing backlash from the fans. Guha said she chose the wrong word but she only meant praise for Bumrah. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
