Border Gavaskar Trophy: All about the Isa Guha and Jasprit Bumrah saga

The commentators are a cricket enthusiast's foremost insight into the game. Their words describe the flow of the match, the live conditions of the game, and the players’ performances. With so many ears on someone’s words, one has to ensure seamless delivery of speech and bear the responsibility of what they say. However, mishaps and momentary lapses are part of every profession, no matter how sensitive the job may prove to be. Former player of the England Women’s team and now regarded as a seasoned commentator, Isa Guha, experienced the said lapse while in the commentary box, covering the third Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy. While Guha’s intention seemed unproblematic, her choice of words to express her emotions meant for Jasprit Bumrah stirred controversy as soon as the broadcast hit the internet.

Jasprit Bumrah is surely the MVP in Border Gavaskar Trophy, but not the one Isa Guha described

A part of Fox Cricket’s commentary panel, Isa Guha landed herself in controversy as she praised the ace Indian seamer Jasprit Bumrah. On the second day of the Gabba Test, Jasprit Bumrah, as per the trend of the BGT, emerged as the sole performer for India. The third BGT match witnessed Travis Head hitting another ton and Steve Smith returning to form with a century himself. In such adverse conditions for India, Bumrah scalped five wickets on the day. India’s interim captain in the opening Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy, the sole victory for the visitors so far, Bumrah dismissed openers Usman Khawaja and Nathan McSweeney early on the second day.

Though Travis Head and Steve Smith delivered a significant blow to the visitors, it was Bumrah who finally provided a breakthrough for India. The crisis man dismissed Steve Smith, Mitchell Marsh, and Travis Head in quick succession to bring his team back into the game. Moreover, the seamer registered his ninth five-wicket haul in the WTC history, the most since 2019, along with the Australian skipper Pat Cummins.

Bumrah has been the sole consistent performer for India Down Under and the only player making an impact for the visitors in the BGT. A performance of this caliber deserves nothing but applause. Isa Guha tried to do the same as she sat in the commentary box, covering the India vs Australia game in Brisbane. Lauding Bumrah, Guha noted that Jasprit Bumrah is the MVP of the game. MVP commonly refers to “Most Valuable Player” in the sporting sense. However, Guha made a blunder as she explained what she meant by calling Bumrah the ‘MVP.’

Isa Guha apologises for her ignorant remark meant for Jasprit Bumrah

Isa Guha called Bumrah the MVP, the Most Valuable Primate. The tag used to describe India’s primary pacer didn’t sit well with Indian fans. The use of the word “primate” is not necessarily a great choice of words. Guha’s comments appeared racist with respect to South Asian people. Guha, a woman of color herself, didn’t realize how her words highlighted the subtle racism that still exists as part of conversations when discussing people from certain descents. While Guha’s intentions remained unquestioned, her comments brought subtle racial undertones to the forefront.

At the end of the day’s play, the internet raged at the event, highlighting the flaw in Guha’s remarks. However, the former English cricketer was quick to realize her mistake and apologized soon after. Joining Fox Cricket’s broadcast on Day 3, Guha described her intentions and expressed remorse for her choice of words.

"Yesterday in commentary, I used a word that can be interpreted in a number of different ways. I'd like to apologize for any offense caused. I set myself really high standards when it comes to empathy and respect for others,” Guha said. “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. For that, I am deeply sorry. As someone who is also of South Asian heritage, I hope people would recognize there was no other intention or malice there. I hope this hasn't overshadowed what has been a great Test match so far—and I look forward to seeing how it progresses," she further explained.

What happened cannot be reversed, but Guha’s actions serve as the best recourse after stirring a sensitive controversy. Jasprit Bumrah, the subject of the remarks, has not reacted to the incident. It is likely that he will avoid delving into it. However, the ugly face of racism, as witnessed during the infamous Monkeygate scandal involving Harbhajan Singh and Andrew Symonds, has reared its head again in the Border Gavaskar Trophy due to this unwanted lapse by Guha.