Respected cricket commentator Isa Guha has issued an apology after referring to Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah’s “prime” during the third Test against Australia.
Guha was commentating for Fox Sports in the first session of the game on day two of the Brisbane match when he did it.
Bumrah excelled again on Sunday as he carried India with him five door lock in another hard song of the fasting Globes.
“This is the MVP, isn’t it?” Guha said. “The most precious bishop, Jasprit Bumrah. He is the one who is going to do all the interviews for India, and why there was so much focus on him in the build-up to this Test match, and whether he was fit.
On Monday, Guha issued an apology on air before the start of the game at the Gabba. “Yesterday in a comment I used a word that can be interpreted in several ways,” he said.
“First, I would like to apologize for any offense. I set really high standards when it comes to empathy and respect for others, and if you listen to the full transcript I just meant the highest praise of one of the greatest actors and someone I admire so much.
I am an advocate for equality and someone who has spent his life thinking about inclusion and understanding in the game. I am trying to describe the brutality of what happened and I chose the wrong word, and for that I am deeply sorry.
“As someone who is also … of South Asian heritage, I hope people recognize that there is no other intent 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. Again, I’m really, really sorry.
Guha’s colleague and Indian ophthalmologist great Ravi Shastri praised her for calling the event and said India was lucky to be moving.
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“A strong woman to do it on television and have the satisfaction of living,” Shastri said. “Someone gets a kick. You heard it from the horse’s mouth.
“As far as I’m concerned, through the game. People have to make mistakes. We’re all human. To have to say, ‘I’m sorry’ … takes heart. It’s done. Let’s move on.
“As for the Indian team, the Test is on and they want to focus on the game.”