South Africa shrugs off Bumrah’s comment directed at Bavuma

South Africa batting coach Ashwell Prince on Friday downplayed the stir caused by Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah’s stump-mic remark—“bauna”—aimed at Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma during Day 1 of the first Test at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

The incident took place on the final delivery of the 13th over, with South Africa at 62/2, when Bumrah struck Bavuma on the thigh pad, prompting an LBW appeal. As Rishabh Pant and Bumrah discussed whether to take a review, the stump mic captured Bumrah using the word “bauna,” which many interpreted as a comment on Bavuma’s height. The term, commonly used in Hindi to describe someone with dwarfism, can be considered offensive when used casually.

Prince, however, made it clear that the visitors would not escalate the matter.“No, there will be no discussion. It's the first time I'm hearing about it. I don’t think there’ll be any issues with whatever happened out in the middle,” he said after stumps.

Also Read: IND vs SA Test: Jasprit Bumrah faces heat after stump-mic comment on Temba Bavuma sparks debate

Bavuma, returning from a calf injury to lead the side, had a short outing with the bat. He managed just 3 runs off 11 balls before being caught at leg slip off Kuldeep Yadav. The injury had earlier forced him to miss the initial phase of South Africa’s World Test Championship title defence against Pakistan.

The LBW appeal that sparked the exchange was ultimately not reviewed, with Pant confidently stating that the ball was going over the stumps—something replays later confirmed.

Interestingly, Bumrah, who addressed the media after the day’s play, did not speak about the stump-mic moment. Earlier, he delivered a sensational spell, claiming 5/27—his 16th Test five-wicket haul—to bowl South Africa out for 159.