South Africa offered a composed response after Jasprit Bumrah’s stump-mic remark involving the word “bauna” during Day 1 of the first Test at Eden Gardens, a comment directed toward South African captain Temba Bavuma. The exchange occurred at the end of the 13th over when India appealed for an lbw decision after Bumrah struck Bavuma on the thigh pad. While Rishabh Pant and Bumrah debated a potential review, the stump microphone captured Bumrah using the term, which viewers online interpreted as referring to Bavuma’s height.
The word is often used informally in Hindi but can be offensive depending on the context. Despite the social media chatter that followed, South Africa’s batting coach Ashwell Prince dismissed the possibility of any dispute. He stated that the remark had only recently come to his attention and clarified that the team had no intention of pursuing the matter.
Bavuma’s return to Test leadership was brief as he was dismissed for three runs off eleven deliveries by Kuldeep Yadav, who caught him at leg slip. The South African skipper had only just recovered from a calf strain that kept him out of earlier matches in their World Test Championship campaign.
The lbw appeal that sparked the conversation did not lead to a review, as Pant insisted the ball was passing over the stumps. Replays later supported his judgment. Bumrah, who delivered a stunning spell earlier in the day with figures of 5/27, addressed the media but chose not to comment on the stump-mic incident. South Africa were bowled out for 159 before India closed at 37/1, with KL Rahul and Washington Sundar steady at the crease heading into Day 2.
South Africa Responds Calmly to Jasprit Bumrah’s ‘Bauna’ Remark Toward Temba Bavuma During Kolkata Test
