Isa Guha apologises for on-air remarks on Jasprit Bumrah, Ravi Shastri chips in with 'brave women' comment

Isa Guha apologises for on-air remarks on Jasprit Bumrah

Isa Guha, former England pacer, on Monday apologised for her on-air remarks on Jasprit Bumrah, following which she also clarified that she was misinterpreted. Guha, who is on commenting duties for Fox Sports, received a lot of flak online for her remarks on Bumrah, who she called "MVP- Most Valuable Primate". Guha had made the remarks while commentating on Day 2.

The remarks didn't go well with the fans, who drew comparison with the infamous 'Monkey-gate' scandal involving ex-India spinner Harbhajan Singh and late Andrew Symonds during the 2008 Sydney Test.

Ahead of the play on Day 3, Guha addressed the subject on Fox Cricket's coverage and said: "Yesterday in commentary I used a word that can be interpreted in a number of different ways. I'd like to apologise for any offence caused. I set myself really high standards when it comes to empathy and respect of others."

IND vs AUS: India need course correction against rampant Travis Head

"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.

She then rendered an apology for choosing the "wrong word" and hoped people understand that she had no such intention, especially she also being from a South Asian heritage. Guha was born to Indian parents in the UK and represented England in 113 matches across all formats.

"I was trying to frame the enormity of his achievement 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 would recognise there was no other intention or malice there, and I hope this hasn't overshadowed what has been a great Test match so far - and I look forward to seeing how it progresses," said Guha.

A very genuine apology from Isa Guha. pic.twitter.com/W97FCCEP93
Dan News (@dannews) December 15, 2024

Ravi Shastri chips in

Ravi Shastri, former India cricketer and coach, joined in immediately after Guha's on-air apology and called her a "brave woman".

"Brave woman, 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. In the heat of the moment, sometimes when you have the mic in your hand, things can happen. Let's move on," said Shastri.