In the first Test of the two-match series between India and South Africa at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, Jasprit Bumrahmade a surprising remark on the visiting skipper Temba Bavuma, mocking the latter for his height. Bumrah referred Bavuma as a dwarf, as there was an appeal for an lbw (Leg Before Wicket) call, and the Indian huddle was discussing whether they should go for the DRS, when the on-field umpire gave it as 'not out'.
The incident happened during the 13th over, as the ball hit Bavuma's pads,
who was just five balls into the crease on the opening day. While consulting with teammates before sending the matter upstairs, Bumrah reminded his teammates to keep Bumrah's short height in mind, calling him a bauna (dwarf in Hindi). Listening to the remark, teammates Ravindra Jadeja and Rishabh Pant burst into a little laughter.
Check the video of Bumrah calling Bavuma a dwarf here
It is, however, to be noted that Bumrah did not have a direct go at the South African skipper, as he seemed to be interested in making sure that Pant, the wicketkeeper, who had a nice look at the ball, could help the team whether to go for the review or not. However, the discussion ran for a good 12 seconds, before the hosts opted not to go for the DRS.
Eventually, the decision to not go for the review was spot on, as the television replay clearly indicated that the ball would have gone on to miss the stumps. Bumrah, who had already taken a wicket in the same over, missed taking his second in six balls and third for the day. However, Bavuma's stay did not last longer, as spinner Kuldeep Yadav got the better of him three overs later, as Dhruv Jurel took a sharp catch at short leg.
As of writing, the visitors are reeling at 86 runs for the loss of three wickets after 20 overs, as both the openers — Ryan Rickelton and Aiden Markram and the Proteas skipper are back in the dugout.
