India's Jasprit Bumrah could be at risk of being sanctioned following a comment on Temba Bavuma's height on day one (November 14) of the Kolkata Test.
The incident occurred after the last delivery of the 13th over of South Africa’s innings. Bumrah darted the ball back into visiting captain Temba Bavuma, who missed it, and it struck his thigh pad. India appealed, but the umpire was unmoved. Bumrah and the Indian fielders gathered to discuss whether the decision could be referred upstairs.
Wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant was not fully convinced, pointing at his own thigh, indicating that the ball might have been too high to hit the stumps. In response, Bumrah was heard saying, "Bauna bhi to hai ye", which roughly translates to "He's (Bavuma) short as well", seemingly suggesting that Bavuma's diminutive stature might have made impact point look higher than it actually was.
Jasprit: “Bauna hai yeh.”
— The Jai Bhim Chronicles (@JaiBhimChron) November 14, 2025
Risabh: “Bauna hai, but laga yaha pe.”
Jasprit: “Bauna hai yeh, BC.”
India didn’t even take the review for the LBW appeal against Bavuma.#INDvsSA #Bumrah pic.twitter.com/sUYc0bwNk4
1st Test, India vs South Africa
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- Ball by ball Over
Could Bumrah be sanctioned for his comment on Bavuma?
Bumrah could be in danger of breaching the ICC’s Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel. The incident falls under Article 2.13, which covers "a Player or Player Support Personnel directing language of a personal, insulting, obscene and/or offensive nature at any Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire or Match Referee during an International Match."
If found guilty, Bumrah’s offence could range from a Level 2 breach (50-100 per cent match fee fine and/or up to two suspension points) to a Level 3 breach (four to twelve suspension points).
The outcome, however, hinges entirely on the match referee's interpretation. The Hindi term "bauna", which literally translates to "dwarf", could be deemed "personal abuse" under Article 2.13. Conversely, Bumrah may be given a reprieve if the officials accept that his remark was intended to comment on Bavuma's height in the context of the ball's trajectory, rather than as a personal insult.
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