Temba Bavuma became the target of a controversial comment from the Indian team during the recent two-Test series, which South Africa won 2-0. In the first Test in Kolkata, the Proteas skipper was referred to as “bauna” by Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant, a term linked to his short stature.
The remark came up during a discussion between Bumrah and Pant over a possible LBW appeal, where Bavuma’s height was mentioned. Addressing the incident in a column for ESPNCricinfo, Bavuma said both players later apologised to him, bringing the matter to a close.
“I know from my side there was an incident where they said something in their language about me. At the end of the day two senior players, Rishabh Pant and Jasprit Bumrah, came and apologised. When the apology was made, I was in the dark about what it was about, I hadn’t heard it at the time and I needed to check in with our media manager about it.”
“What happens on the field, stays on the field but you don’t forget what is said. You use it as fuel and motivation, but there are no grudges per se,” he wrote.
Temba Bavuma Breaks Silence On Shukri Conrad Controversy
Temba Bavuma also shared his view on South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad’s use of the word “grovel” during a press conference before the second Test in Guwahati. The remark was quickly likened to former England captain Tony Greig’s infamous comments with racist undertones made during a series against the West Indies.
Conrad later issued an apology, while Bavuma said the coach could have chosen a more appropriate term.
“Shukri also took some heat for his “grovel” remark. I was put under pressure by the media on that side, asking me to clarify the comments that were made. I thought Shukri was the man best positioned to give context to it all.”
“The first time I heard about it, it had that unsavoury taste to it, but I think it just reminded me how tough and competitive the Test series was and what it meant to certain individuals within the group. Shukri spoke after the ODI series and put that issue to bed. In hindsight, he said he could have chosen a better word and I agree with him,” wrote Bavuma.
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