AUS vs IND 2024-25: Isa Guha’s sensitive comments on Jasprit Bumrah remind fans of another ‘Monkeygate’ episode

The second day of the third Test match between Australia and India finally witnessed a prolonged run of play at the Gabba in Brisbane after the first day was interrupted by rain. For much of the 87.4 overs bowled over three sessions, the day was all about Australia.

With wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey still undefeated at 45 and looking to lead the Aussies to a much higher total moving forward, the innings of Travis Head and Steve Smith caused problems for the Indian bowlers as both players went on to score big hundreds and put the team in a strong position heading into day three.

In the meantime, during the current third Test, former English pacer Isa Guha made a delicately racist remark against India’s top bowler, Jasprit Bumrah. There has been a great deal of social media fury over the commentator’s snarky remark, which has increased the tension off the pitch during the crucial series. Guha’s comparison of the 31-year-old and top-ranked Test bowler to a primate—another word for an ape or a monkey—during the live broadcast has also generated a lot of controversy on social media.

Obviously, he is the MVP. Jasprit Bumrah, the Most Valuable Primate. Guha stated on-air via Star Sports Network, “He is the one who will speak for India, which is why there was so much attention on him in the lead-up to this Test match and whether he would be fit.”

#IsaGuha, on Sunday, came under fire after she made a racially sensitive statement on #JaspritBumrah. today: five overs, 2-4. So, that’s the tone, and that’s what you want from the ex-skipper,” Lee said. To which Guha added: “Well, he’s the MVP, isn’t he? Most valuable primate. pic.twitter.com/vQv1rKGSFP

— APNU GUJARAT NEW ZEALAND (@APNU_GUJARAT_NZ) December 15, 2024

With his 12th five-for, Jasprit Bumrah

With a score of 405-7 at the end of Day 2 of the current match, the hosts are in the lead at Stumps. Apart from Bumrah, who claimed another outstanding 5-wicket haul on Sunday, which included the much coveted dismissals of Head and Smith, it might have been another frustrating day for the Indian bowlers. The Ahmedabad native finished with his 12th fifer in red-ball internationals, another incredible performance.