An otherwise fiercely contested Test series between India and South Africa last month in Kolkata was briefly overshadowed by an off-field controversy involving an on-field comment directed at South African captain Temba Bavuma. During the match, Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, with wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant nearby, was heard using the word “bauna”—a term meaning “dwarf” or “short person”—in reference to Bavuma. The remark later sparked criticism across social media and cricketing circles.
According to Bavuma himself, both Bumrah and Pant subsequently offered personal apologies, acknowledging that the comment was inappropriate. Bavuma made the revelation in an interview with leading cricket website ESPNcricinfo, where he reflected calmly on the episode and its aftermath.
The incident occurred during South Africa’s first innings, in the 13th over, when a delivery from Bumrah struck Bavuma on the pad, prompting a strong LBW appeal. The on-field umpire declined the appeal, after which Bumrah consulted Pant and other teammates about taking a review. Eventually, India decided against it. It was during this brief exchange that the controversial word was uttered, picked up clearly by the stump microphone.
Key Details of the Incident :
| Aspect | Information |
| Match | India vs South Africa Test |
| Venue | Kolkata |
| Over | 13th of South Africa’s innings |
| Players Involved | Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, Temba Bavuma |
| Nature of Incident | Verbal remark during LBW discussion |
| Outcome | Apology issued by Indian players |
Interestingly, Bavuma revealed that he did not initially understand why Bumrah and Pant had apologised. Due to the language difference, he was unaware of the meaning of the word at the time it was spoken. Only later, after speaking with South Africa’s media manager, did he fully grasp what had been said.
Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Bavuma explained:
“After the day’s play, Jasprit and Rishabh came to apologise. At that moment, I didn’t fully understand what they were apologising for, because I hadn’t grasped the meaning of what was said. Later, after discussing it with our media manager, I understood the context.”
Despite the controversy, Bavuma stressed that he harbours no personal resentment towards the two Indian cricketers.
“What happens on the field stays on the field,” he said. “Words can’t always be forgotten, but they can be used as motivation rather than something to dwell on emotionally. There’s no personal anger.”
Bavuma also addressed a separate debate surrounding South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad, who had used the word “grovel” when describing his team’s ambition to dominate India during the series. The comment drew parallels with a famously criticised remark made by England’s Tony Greig in 1976.
Initially uncomfortable with the phrasing, Bavuma later adopted a more reflective stance.
“At first, it sounded quite harsh,” he admitted. “But in context, it highlighted just how intense and competitive the series was for us. Shukri later acknowledged that a better choice of words could have been used—and I agree with him.”
In the end, Bavuma’s composed response to both controversies has earned praise, reinforcing his reputation as a calm and thoughtful leader amid the emotional pressures of elite international