South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma revealed that India duo Rishabh Pant and Jasprit Bumrah apologised to him after calling him 'bauna' during the first Test match at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The World Test Championship (WTC) winning captain led the Proteas to a 2-0 Test series win over India, noting that while such words are not easily forgotten, he harbours no ill will.
A stump mic incident during day one’s play caught Bumrah and Pant referring to Bavuma as ‘bauna’ while appealing for an lbw off him in the 14th over.
Temba Bavuma on 'Bauna' remark
The term is generally used for people suffering from dwarfism, but it can be deemed offensive when directed at individuals of short stature.
“A series against India is always going to be intense, and when it's heated, it makes it even more of a spectacle and motivates the players further.
“As long as the respect is still intact between players, it's all good with whatever happens on the field. 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 was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo on Wednesday.
India tour of South Africa results
Notably, India and South Africa played two Test match series, followed by three ODIs and five T20Is, which was concluded with a mixed result as South Africa dominated the Test series, while India secured victories in both white-ball formats.