Temba Bavuma and Jasprit Bumrah (Source: AFP)
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma has spoken openly about a controversial on-field remark made by Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant during the recent two-match Test series between India and South Africa.
The incident occurred on the opening day of the first Test, when India appealed for an LBW decision against Bavuma. As the Indian players discussed whether to take a DRS review, Bumrah was heard using the Hindi word ‘bauna’ (a term for short height).
The comment, picked up by the stump mic, also involved wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant and was later widely discussed on social media.
Bavuma talks about height remark
The audio clip sparked debate online, with many calling the remark inappropriate. Writing in a column for ESPNCricinfo, Bavuma confirmed that both Bumrah and Pant later came to him and apologised for what was said on the field.
"I know from my side there was an incident where they said something in their language about me. At the end of the day two senior players, Rishabh Pant and Jasprit Bumrah, came and apologised." Bavuma wrote in his column for ESPNCricinfo.
Bavuma explained that he was not aware of the comment at the time it was made and only learned about it later after checking with South Africa’s media manager. While he accepted the apology, the Proteas captain admitted that such remarks are not easily forgotten.
When the apology was made, I was in the dark about what it was about, I hadn’t heard it at the time and I needed to check in with our media manager about it. What happens on the field, stays on the field but you don’t forget what is said. You use it as fuel and motivation, but there are no grudges per se," he wrote.
Bavuma addresses coach Shukri Conrad’s 'grovel' remark
The South Africa skipper also addressed another controversy from the series involving head coach Shukri Conrad. During a press conference ahead of the second Test, Conrad used the word “grovel,” which drew criticism and comparisons to past remarks with racial undertones.
Bavuma said the comment initially left a bad taste, but felt the coach was best placed to explain the context himself.
“The first time I heard about it, it had that unsavoury taste to it,” Bavuma wrote. “In hindsight, he said he could have chosen a better word, and I agree with him.”
Despite the controversies, South Africa completed a clean sweep in the Test series.
