Temba Bavuma Reacts to ‘Bauna’ Comment by Bumrah & Pant, Addresses Conrad Controversy

South Africa captain Temba Bavuma spoke about some controversial incidents that happened during the recent Test series against India. He talked about comments made by Indian players on the field and also about a remark from South Africa’s head coach Shukri Conrad that got criticized. The first issue arose during the opening Test in Kolkata, where Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah and keeper Rishabh Pant were heard making a remark in their native language while discussing a possible LBW appeal.

The term used, “bauna,” referenced Bavuma’s height and sparked debate after it came to public attention. According to Bavuma, the comment was not immediately known to him during play, but it was later addressed directly by the Indian players involved.

“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,” Bavuma said as quoted by PTI.

Bavuma Confirms Bumrah and Pant Apologised for ‘Bauna’, Comments on Conrad Incident

Another controversy happened during the second Test in Guwahati when South Africa coach Shukri Conrad used the word “grovel” in a press conference. His choice of words was compared to remarks made years ago by former England captain Tony Greig, which were criticized for being racist.

“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,” he said.