Storm erupts over popular cricket commentator’s insensitive comment
Popular cricket commentator Isa Guha has responded on live TV as she faces an ugly backlash after a comment that some have called insensitive.
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Popular cricket commentator Isa Guha has made an apology on live TV as a storm erupted about a comment some have interpreted to have been an insensitive comment.
The Fox Cricket commentator has been the subject of vile social media abuse after her comments during Day 2 of Australia’s third Test against India at the Gabba.
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Guha, one of the leading commentators in the game, described Indian spearhead Jasprit Bumrah as India’s “Most Valuable Primate” during the first session of play.
“Yesterday in commentary I used a word that can be interpreted in a number of different ways. Firstly I’d like to apologise for any offence caused,” she said on Fox Cricket.
“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’s always spent their career thinking about inclusion and understating 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 will 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.”
Guha’s parents are from Kolkata, in India’s west.
Indian Test legend Ravi Shastri, who is also a member of the Fox Cricket commentary team, responded by applauding Guha for her bravery to make the apology in front of the world.
Shastri, who coached the Indian team from 2017-2021, said: “Brave woman, to do it on live television and apologise. It takes some steel. You heard it from the horse’s mouth.
“As far as I’m concerned, game over. People are entitled to make mistakes. We are all human. In the heat of the moment, like you saw with the [Mohammed] Siraj incident with Travis Head, sometimes when you have the mic in your hand, things can happen. To own up and say I’m sorry … it takes courage. She’s done it. Let’s move on.
“As far as the Indian team, there is a Test on and they want to focus on the game.”
Guha was prompted in the Day 2 discussion after Lee highlighted Bumrah’s output was 2/4 from his first five overs.
“That’s the tone. That’s what you want from the ex-skipper,” Lee said.
Guha responded: “Well, he’s the MVP, most valuable primate. He is the one that’s 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.”
Former Aussie Test captain Border also pointed out how important Bumrah has been for India this series.
“It seems like Bumrah, if he gets injured, India are in a lot of trouble,” he said.
“The other bowling is steady, but he’s the man, isn’t he. He’s so good. So dangerous.”
Guha responded on Monday morning with a full apology.
Guha, 39, has since been the target of an ugly backlash with angry comments written on her recent Instagram posts.
Her commentary has also made headlines overseas with The Times of India comparing the comment to the infamous ‘Monkeygate’ scandal of 2008.
Australia’s series against India at the time exploded when Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh was accused of calling late Aussie all-rounder Andrew Symonds a “monkey”.
A social media storm erupted on Sunday night with nasty messages written about Guha.
The Times of India shared some of the messages written about Guha on X.
“Monkey gate! Isa just called Bumrah a primate haha,” one X user wrote.
Another posted: “Did Isa Guha holiday in Townsville or Longreach between tests? Calling Jasprit Bumrah the MVP but then breaking it down to a “Most Valuable Primate” a few minutes ago was something else”.
Another X user posted: “Isa Guha is getting cancelled. She just called Bumrah the MVP, ‘most valuable primate’.”
Instagram users in response called Guha a “primate” on her most recent post.
Many other sickening comments were hidden under the social media giant’s moderating system.
Bumrah, meanwhile, did exactly what Border said he would and put his team on his back, finishing the day 5/72.
The rest of India’s bowling attack combined for figures of 2/333.
With Australia finishing Day 2 at 7/405, Bumrah will need help to wipe out the Aussie tail to get his side back in the contest.
India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel admitted India’s attack had strayed from the game plan.
“From overs 50 to 80 is where we fall short, leaking runs a bit, so that’s where we need to get better,” he said.
“I thought first up this morning we were pretty good and at 3-70, get two more (wickets) in the scorebook and we’re right back in the game.
“We’ve got the game plans, but executing those game plans with the softer ball is an area we have to focus on.”
It was a golden day for Australia with Steve Smith (102) and Travis Head (152) both blasting centuries.
News.com.au has contacted Fox Sports for comment.
Originally published as Storm erupts over popular cricket commentator’s insensitive comment
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