While Jasprit Bumrah pushed for a review, Rishabh Pant advised against it, predicting the ball would sail over the leg stump regardless of Bavuma’s height. (PTI Photo)
NEW DELHI: Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah’s impressive opening-day spell in the first Test against South Africa at Eden Gardens was overshadowed by a controversial on-field exchange involving South African captain Temba Bavuma that quickly went viral on social media.Bumrah had already removed openers Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton when he believed he had trapped Bavuma leg-before.
The on-field umpire turned down the appeal, prompting a discussion between Bumrah and wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant over whether to opt for the Decision Review System (DRS).During the chat, either Bumrah or Pant was allegedly heard referring to Bavuma as “bauna” (short or dwarf), a remark that triggered widespread attention and debate online.The moment in question came after Bumrah struck Bavuma on the pads. While Bumrah pushed for a review, Pant advised against it, predicting the ball would sail over the leg stump regardless of Bavuma’s height. Replays later validated Pant’s judgement, showing the delivery missing the stumps by a narrow margin.Bavuma’s stay at the crease was brief; he was dismissed by spinner Kuldeep Yadav after just 11 balls.Watch the video hereEarlier, South Africa won the toss and opted to bat. India made notable selection calls, leaving out Sai Sudharsan and including both Dhruv Jurel and Rishabh Pant in the XI. The team management also went with an unconventional bowling setup, fielding four spinners, while entrusting Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj with the pace duties.Despite a strong bowling effort from Bumrah, the on-field remark dominated discussions on Day 1.
