Fox Cricket commentator Isa Guha has issued an apology over a controversial remark in which she described Jasprit Bumrah as the ‘most valuable primate’ during Day 2 of the third Test.
Guha, who played 83 WODIs and six women’s Tests for England between 2002 and 2011 before making the move to professional commentary, made the comment amid praise for Bumrah’s outstanding performances this series despite little help from his teammates.
“He’s the MVP isn’t he? Most valuable primate,” she said.
“Jasprit Bumrah, he is the one who is 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.”
The comment quickly caused an outcry on social media, prompting an apology from Guha before play on Day 3, where she expressed that she ‘only meant the highest praise’ for Bumrah.
“Yesterday in commentary I used a word that can be interpreted in a number of different ways,” she said.
Commentator Isa Guha. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
“I set myself really high standards when it comes to empathy and respect of 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.
“I’m an advocate for equality and someone who has spent their career thinking about inclusion and understanding in the game.
“I’m trying to frame the enormity of his achievements 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 that there was no other intention or malice there.
“I hope that this hasn’t overshadowed what has been a great Test match so far, and I look forward to seeing how it progresses.
“But once again, I’m really, really sorry.”
Co-commentator and Indian great Ravi Shastri, who sat beside Guha as she issued her apology, praised her courage in owning up to the faux pas.
“Brave woman to do it on live television and apologise – that takes some steel,” Shastri said.
“As far as I am concerned, game over. People are entitled to make mistakes, we are all human.
“Sometimes when you have the mic in your hand, things can happen. But to own up and say sorry takes courage.
“She has done it, let’s move on.
“As far as the Indian team, there is a Test match going on. They would like to focus on the game that is taking place.”
Guha was born in England, but has Indian heritage, with her parents having moved from Kolkata to the UK in the 1970s.