Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah squared off with Temba Bavuma after South Africa’s historic win in the first Test at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. South Africa defeated India by 30 runs as they successfully defended the fourth innings target of 124. When Axar Patel became South Africa’s latest victim as Simon Harmer tried to sweep and India were put on 93, Bumrah reconciled with Bavuma after the match.
As the South African players celebrated their victory, Bumrah walked up to Bavum and was seen congratulating the Proteas captain. The duo exchanged smiles and were seen engaging in a cordial conversation to clear the air after Bumrah’s comments for Bavum were caught on the stump mic on Day 1.
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The remark, made during the appeal, was interpreted by some as a mockery of Bavuma’s height. The exchange took place in the 13th over of South Africa’s first innings with the visitors 62 for 2. After the umpire dismissed Bumrah’s appeal against Bavum, the off-stump microphone recorded Bumrah saying “bauna bhi hai”, which drew attention in reference to Bavum’s physique.
The Hindi word “bauna” is usually used for people of small stature, and its use in this context was considered by some to be potentially offensive. South Africa batting coach Ashwell Prince played down the controversy after being asked about the incident at the end-of-game press conference.
He made it clear that the South African team would not pursue the matter further and would not file any formal complaint regarding the incident. Bavuma, meanwhile, continued his unbeaten run as captain, recording a tenth win from 11 matches, one of which was a draw against the West Indies.
Bavuma led from the front with an unbeaten 55* (136) in the second innings, helping South Africa gain a decisive lead of 123 runswhich proved to be enough to win the Test. The Proteas captain will aim to seal another win in the second Test in Guwahati and help South Africa register their first series win in India in 25 years.
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Issued by:
Rishabh Beniwal
Published on:
November 16, 2025
