Former English cricketer and commentator Isa Guha has issued a sincere apology after referring to Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah as a ‘primate’.
The incident occurred during his comments on the second day of the third Test between India and Australia in Brisbane.
Guha, speaking during the first match session, praised Bumrah’s exceptional performance, saying: “Well, he’s the MVP, isn’t he? Most valuable primate, Jasprit Bumrah. It is he who will speak for India, and why so much focus was on him in the lead-up to this Test match, and whether he would be fit.
On Monday, the commentator addressed the matter before the start of the play at the Gabba, apologizing on air:
“Yesterday, in the comments, I used a word that can be interpreted in several different ways. Firstly I would like to apologize for any offense caused. I set very high standards when it comes to empathy and respect for others. If you listen to the full transcript, I just want to praise one of India’s greatest players, someone I admire so much.
“I am an advocate for equality and someone who has spent my career thinking about inclusion and understanding the game. I am deeply sorry for choosing the wrong word and hope this does not overshadow what has been a great Test match so far.”
The former cricketer also highlighted her South Asian heritage and emphasized that her comment was made without malice or negative intent.
Indian cricket legend Ravi Shastri, Guha’s colleague, praised her for addressing the situation directly.
“Brave woman, to do this on live television and apologize. It takes a little steel. As far as I’m concerned, the game is over. People have the right to make mistakes. Confessing and saying, ‘I’m sorry’… takes courage. She did it. Let’s move forward,” Shastri said.
Meanwhile, on the field, India find themselves in a precarious position during the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Australia were bowled out for 445 in their first innings, but India’s batting line-up faltered at the start of the third day.
Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed for four by Mitchell Starc, followed by Shubman Gill (1) and Virat Kohli (3), who fell to Starc and Josh Hazlewood.
Rishabh Pant managed just nine runs before being dismissed by captain Pat Cummins, leaving India at 48/4.
KL Rahul (30*) and captain Rohit Sharma (0*) are currently at the crease, with the visitors under immense pressure, now 397 runs behind Australia’s total.