Ind vs SA: Bumrah clears air with Bavuma to defuse height-remark controversy

Jasprit Bumrah put his arm around Temba Bavuma to defuse the ‘bauna’ controversy soon after South Africa defeated India by 30 runs in the first Test at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

Moments after the loss, Bumrah was seen rushing towards the South African skipper to clarify his stance on the remark that had sparked a major uproar on social media.

The issue began on Day 1 when Bumrah and Rishabh Pant were overheard on the stump mic discussing a possible review during a leg-before appeal against Bavuma in the 14th over. Their conversation included the phrase “bauna bhi hai,” which many interpreted as a derogatory reference to Bavuma’s height. The term bauna, commonly used in Hindi to describe a person with dwarfism, is considered offensive when used casually for someone shorter.

The remark quickly spread across social platforms, even drawing a response from South Africa’s batting coach, Ashwell Prince. Bavuma too was believed to be aware of both the comment and its implications.

However, once the match ended, Bumrah made it a point to approach Bavuma for a brief exchange, where he was seen explaining his side. The gesture, which included Bumrah placing a hand around Bavuma’s shoulders, ended with the two shaking hands, signaling closure.

South Africa pulled off a stunning victory despite setting India a modest target of 124. Simon Harmer starred with four wickets in the second innings, while Washington Sundar (31) was the only Indian batter who offered any real resistance.

Earlier, on Day 3, Bavuma led from the front with an unbeaten 55 — the only fifty of the Test — guiding South Africa to a defendable total. Late in the chase, Axar Patel briefly raised hopes with a 16-run over off Keshav Maharaj, but he fell soon after, and Mohammed Siraj was dismissed on the next ball, sealing India’s defeat.

India were also dented by the absence of Shubman Gill, who did not bat in the second innings due to a neck spasm, as confirmed by the BCCI.