Fox commentator Isa Guha apologises after describing Indian bowler Bumrah as a ‘primate’

Fox Sports commentator and former England cricketer Isa Guha has apologised for labelling Indian bowler Jasprit Bumrah a “primate” during the third Test between Australia and India in Brisbane.

Guha, an experienced broadcaster who has worked on the BBC’s Wimbledon and Olympics coverage, made the comment while on air during day two of the third Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Fellow commentator Brett Lee said: “Bumrah, today: five overs, 2-4. So, that’s the tone, and that’s what you want from the ex-skipper.”

Guha responded by saying: “Well, he’s the MVP, isn’t he? Most valuable primate, Jasprit Bumrah. 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.”

The comment has sparked controversy in India, with The Times of India comparing it to the “monkeygate” scandal of 2008 when Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh was accused of calling Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds a “monkey”.

Guha addressed her comments on the Fox broadcast before play on Monday.

Fox Sports commentator Isa Guha.Credit: Getty Images

“Yesterday in commentary I used a word that can be interpreted in a number of different ways,” Guha said alongside commentators Adam Gilchrist and Ravi Shastri.

“Firstly, I’d like to apologise for any offence caused. I set myself really high standards when it comes to empathy and respect for 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 am an advocate for equality and someone who has spent their career thinking about inclusion and understanding in the game. I am trying to frame the enormity of his achievements and I have chosen the wrong word and for that I am deeply sorry.

“As someone who is also … of South Asian heritage, I hope people would recognise there was no other intention 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. Once again, I am really, really sorry.”

Shastri, a former Indian Test player and coach of the national team, praised Guha for apologising.

“Brave woman, to do it on live television and apologise. It takes some steel. You heard it from the horse’s mouth,” Shastri said.

“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’s parents are from Kolkata and she is one of the most prominent British Asian presenters in sport.

She is a lead presenter of the BBC’s cricket on television and has also worked on the corporation’s Wimbledon coverage as well as its programs from the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

Guha has worked extensively in Australia for Fox Sports alongside former England captain Michael Vaughan. Both are commentating on the current Australia-India series.

Bumrah finished day two in Brisbane with 5-72 from 25 overs.

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