English commentator Isa Guha issued an on-air apology on Fox Cricket during the ongoing IND vs AUS 3rd Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after facing backlash for a comment about India pacer Jasprit Bumrah. On Day 2 of the Gabba Test, while praising Bumrah's bowling, Guha made a controversial remark, referring to him as a 'primate,' which sparked anger among fans on social media. Former India cricketer and coach Ravi Shastri called Guha ‘brave’ for coming out and apologising.
On Day 2 of the India vs Australia third Test at The Gabba, Brisbane, Guha labelled Bumrah as the "MVP - Most Valuable Primate". The comment sparked widespread criticism on social media, with many drawing comparisons to the infamous 'Monkey-gate' scandal involving Harbhajan Singh and Andrew Symonds during the IND vs AUS 2007-08 series.
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Guha further said, "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."
'I'd Like To Apologise For Any Offence Caused': Isa Guha
Before the start of play on Day 3 at the Gabba, Guha remarked during Fox Cricket's coverage, "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," she added.
"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.
Ravi Shastri Calls Isa Guha 'Brave Woman'
Ravi Shastri praised Isa Guha for her bravery in publicly apologising on live television, acknowledging that mistakes happen, especially in the heat of the moment.
"Brave woman, to apologise on live television takes some steel. You heard it from the horse's mouth so as far as I am concerned, game's over. People are entitled to make mistakes, we are all human. In the heat of the moment, sometimes when you have the mic in your hand, things can happen. Let's move on," said Shastri.