BGT 2024-25: "Most valuable primate" Commentator Isa Guha apologises for racial comment on Jasprit Bumrah during Gabba test

Isa Guha issued an on-air apology on day 3 of the Gabba test for her comment on Jasprit Bumrah on day 2.

Senior cricket commentator Isa Guha has issued an on-air apology at the start of play on day 3 of the third BGT 2024-25 test at the Gabba for her comment “Most valuable primate” for Jasprit Bumrah on day 2.

While Guha meant the highest praise for Bumrah, who took a five-wicket haul and was the standout bowler for India, her remark of “primate” was marked racially offensive by some, for which she offered an apology and acknowledged that she’d “chosen the wrong word.”

Guha said on Fox Sports while commentating on day 2 of the Gabba test, “Well, he’s the MVP, isn’t he? Most valuable primate, Jasprit Bumrah. He is the one that’s going to do all the talking for India, and why so much focus was on him in the buildup to this Test match, and whether he would be fit.”

Isa Guha apologises for “primate” comment on Jasprit Bumrah, gets support from Ravi Shastri

On Monday, the former England cricketer Isa Guha apologized on air for her remark the previous day.

“Yesterday in commentary I used a word that can be interpreted in a number of different ways. Firstly, I’d like to apologise for any offence caused. I set myself really high standards when it comes to empathy and respect for others and 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 as well,” she said.

“I am an advocate for equality and someone who has spent their career thinking about inclusion and understanding in the game. I am trying to frame the enormity of his achievements and I have 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. I hope this doesn’t overshadow what has been a great Test match so far and I look forward to seeing how it progresses. Once again, I am really, really sorry.”

Guha’s colleague and former India head coach Ravi Shastri praised her for her “brave” apology and confirmed that the Indian team hadn’t taken any offence on her comment.

“Brave woman, to do it on live television and apologise. It takes some steel. You heard it from the horse’s mouth,” Shastri said.

“As far as I’m concerned, game over. People are entitled to make mistakes. We are all human. To own up and say, ‘I’m sorry’ … it takes courage. She’s done it. Let’s move on. As far as the Indian team, there is a test on and they want to focus on the game.”

Meanwhile, Australia are all over India at the moment at the Gabba. After posting 445, they have dismissed three Indian batsmen for only 22 runs.

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