Key Points
- Jasprit Bumrah faces a possible 50–100% match fee fine for an on-field comment about Temba Bavuma’s height.
- The stump-mic remark “bauna” triggered scrutiny under ICC Article 2.13 for potentially personal or insulting language.
- Depending on interpretation, the offence could range from a Level 2 fine to Level 3 suspension points.
- The match referee’s judgement on intent and context will ultimately decide whether Bumrah is sanctioned.
ISLAMABAD: India fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah could be staring at a significant sanction, including a fine of 50 to 100 per cent of his match fee, after an on-field remark directed at South Africa captain Temba Bavuma drew the attention of match officials on day one of the Kolkata Test on Friday.
The flashpoint occurred at the end of the 13th over of South Africa’s innings. Bumrah jagged a delivery back into Bavuma, who was beaten and struck high on the thigh pad. India appealed, but the umpire turned it down. As the players gathered to consider a review, wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant gestured to his own thigh, indicating the ball may have climbed too high to threaten the stumps.
Jasprit: “Bauna hai yeh.”
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
— The Jai Bhim Chronicles (@JaiBhimChron) November 14, 2025
In that moment, Bumrah was picked up on the stump mic saying, “Bauna bhi to hai ye” – a Hindi phrase that translates to “He’s a dwarf as well.” The comment appeared to suggest that Bavuma’s shorter height might have made the impact point look higher, but it has raised questions about whether the remark crossed into personal territory.
Why Bumrah Is at Risk of a Heavy Sanction
The International Cricket Council’s Code of Conduct is unambiguous about comments that could be construed as personal or insulting. Bumrah’s remark potentially falls under Article 2.13, which pertains to “language of a personal, insulting, obscene and/or offensive nature directed at any player or match official.”
If the match referee determines that the word “bauna” constitutes personal abuse rather than a contextual observation about the height factor in an LBW decision, Bumrah could be charged with a Level 2 offence. Such a charge carries a penalty ranging from 50 to 100 per cent of the match fee, and may also include up to two suspension points.
A harsher interpretation could even push the matter into Level 3 territory, which involves four to twelve suspension points, effectively ruling a player out for multiple matches.
Interpretation Will Decide Bumrah’s Fate
Crucially, the ICC’s code leaves room for discretion. The match referee’s judgement will centre on intent and context. While “bauna” is a literal descriptor relating to height, its colloquial usage in Hindi can be perceived as derogatory, a nuance that may weigh heavily in the evaluation.
If officials accept that Bumrah’s comment was purely tactical, referencing Bavuma’s stature only to assess the probable height of impact in the LBW appeal, he could avoid the heavier end of sanctions or any charge at all. But if deemed a personal jibe, the fast bowler may find himself penalised financially and possibly suspended.
The cricket world now waits for the match referee’s assessment, a decision that could have significant implications for India’s spearhead and for future on-field conduct standards.
