I’ve chosen the wrong word: English commentator Isa Guha apologises for her 'primate' remark against Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah
English commentator Isa Guha has apologised for referring to Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah as a 'primate' while speaking about his bowling skills during the second day's play of the ongoing third Test match between India and Australia.
Bumrah was the only challenge that Australian batsmen were facing on their way to posting 445 runs in their first innings. He picked up six wickets while the rest of the Indian bowling struggled to make an impact on the opponents.
Describing his performance, Guha, a former international cricketer, called him the 'Most Valuable Primate'.
A very genuine apology from Isa Guha. pic.twitter.com/W97FCCEP93
— Dan News (@dannews) December 15, 2024
The comment did not go down well with Bumrah's fans with many of them criticising her on social media for the comment.
Meanwhile, Guha addressed the issue during third day's coverage of the match and apologised for any offence she caused by using the word.
Isa Guha said she only used the word to praise Jasprit Bumrah highly.
“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," she was quoted as saying by Fox Sports.
Isa Guha admitted she chose to use the wrong word.
“I’m trying to frame the enormity of his achievements and I’ve chosen the wrong word, and for that I am deeply sorry," the commentator said.
"As someone who is also of South-Asian heritage I hope people would recognise that there was no other intention or malice there," she said.
Commentator Ravi Shastri, who was present on the live broadcast with Isa Guha, praised her and called her a 'brave woman'.
He said: "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."
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