“They came and apologised” - Temba Bavuma opens up on ‘Bauna’ remark incident in India Tests

South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma has finally opened up on the on-field controversy that took place during the recent two-match Test series in India. During the first Test at Eden Gardens, Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant were heard on the stump mic using the word “Bauna”, which literally means “short” or “dwarf” in Hindi. 

It appeared to be a sarcastic dig at the Proteas skipper, and both the India pacer and wicketkeeper were criticised for using such an unwanted word on the cricket field. However, while writing in a column for ESPNcricinfo, Bavuma clarified that both players approached him at the end of that day’s play and apologised.

“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,” Bavuma wrote.

He further explained that he was initially unaware of the incident.

“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 added.

“You don’t want to admit it as such, but there are scars that still kind of live there.” - Bavuma

The series eventually turned out to be a historic outing for South Africa, the reigning World Test Championship (WTC) champions, as they whitewashed India 2-0 on their home soil. 

Bavuma also wrote about the mental challenge of touring India, stating that the team had expected a tough series and faced exactly that before emerging victorious.

“You don’t want to admit it as such, but there are scars that still kind of live there. You just hope that you don’t reopen those wounds or relive those moments. There was that from a mental point of view, but also, with past experience, you know how tough it’s going to be,” Bavuma wrote.

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