Isa Guha: Commentator apologises for using racial slur to describe Jasprit Bumrah during Australia-India Test

CAUTION: Some readers might find the language used in this article objectionable. Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has claimed 18 wickets in the ongoing Test series in Australia. Isa Guha referred to him on air as the "most valuable primate," and she has since issued an apology for her choice of words.

Monday, December 16, 2024, at 4:53 PM, UK time.

Cricket commentator Isa Guha has issued an apology for employing a racial term when referring to Jasprit Bumrah during the third Test match between Australia and India held in Brisbane.

Guha, a member of England's Women's T20 World Cup championship team, is now part of the Fox Sports broadcasting team in Australia. She faced backlash on social media after calling Bumrah a "primate."

"He's clearly the standout player, right? The most important player for the team, Jasprit Bumrah," she remarked during the match on Sunday. "He's the key individual who will make a difference for India, which is why there was so much attention on him leading up to this Test match, especially regarding his fitness."

Sitting next to ex-India player and coach Ravi Shastri and host Adam Gilchrist, Guha began Monday's broadcast with an apology, stating: "During yesterday’s commentary, I used a term that could be understood in various ways."

I want to sincerely apologize for any hurt I may have caused. I hold myself to very high standards when it comes to understanding and respecting other people.

"If you check out the entire transcript, you'll see that I was only expressing my profound respect for one of India's top players, someone I hold in high regard."

Bumrah was on track to claim six wickets during the Australian innings, bringing his remarkable total to 18 at an average of 11.72 for the series up to this point.

Guha stated, "I was attempting to capture the significance of his accomplishment, but I ended up using the wrong term. I truly apologize for that."

"As someone with South Asian roots myself, I hope others can see that there was no negative intent or ill will involved."

Shastri, who previously served as the head coach of the Indian cricket team and now works alongside Guha, mentioned that the issue hasn't been discussed among the Indian team members and that it should be regarded as settled.

"It takes real courage to apologize on live TV," Shastri remarked. "For me, that’s the end of the matter. Everyone makes mistakes; we’re all human."

The Indian team is currently involved in a Test match. Their main priority is to concentrate on the ongoing game.