English commentator Isa Guha has apologised for her Jasprit Bumrah ‘primate’ comment which went viral after Day 2 of the Gabba Test on Sunday, December 15. Guha, who was on commentary duty, was talking about Bumrah’s explosive start to life in Australia during the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
The Indian pacer got his 2nd 5-wicket haul of the series on Sunday as he waged a lone battle for India as Australia took charge of proceedings. Guha would call Bumrah the MVP, ‘Most Valuable Primate’ and also suggested that the Indian pacer does need some support from the other end.
“The MVP – Most Valuable Primate”. said Guha. “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.”
However, the ‘primate’ comment would go viral on social media, with fans slamming her for the use of the word. The commentator has now issued an on-air statement on Fox Cricket ahead of Day 3 of the Gabba Test on Monday.
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Isa Guha’s apology
Guha addressed the matter and apologised for any offence she had caused with the use of the word. The English commentator said that she meant to give the highest praise to Bumrah and admitted that she used the wrong word in the end.
Guha hoped that people would recognise there was no malice in her comments about Bumrah and it doesn’t overshadow the action in the ongoing Gabba Test.
“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.”
“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,” said Guha.
Indian cricket legend Ravi Shastri, who spoke immediately after the apology, praised Isa Guha for her “brave” apology, acknowledging her willingness to address the situation. The former India coach also shared that he had been in touch with the Indian camp, confirming that no offence had been taken regarding Guha’s comment.
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