Former all-format England international and veteran commentator Isa Guha took has gone on air to apologize for calling Jasprit Bumrah ‘the MVP, Most Valuable Primate’ during Australia’s first innings in the third Border Gavaskar Trophy Test on Sunday.
“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 buildup to this Test match, and whether he would be fit,” Isa had said during Bumrah’s resounding six-wicket haul.
Before coverage of proceedings began on Monday, Isa, seated in the Fox Sports studio alongside Adam Gilchrist and Ravi Shastri, read out a prepared apology to clarify her stance on the matter.
“Yesterday in commentary I used a word that can be interpreted in a number of different ways,” she said.
“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,” Guha concluded.
Guha’s apology provoked extended praise from Shastri with the Indian broadcaster labelling her brave for acknowledging her mistake, and Gilchrist offered agreement with both his colleagues.
