Last Updated on 5 months ago by Charbel Coorey

Jasprit Bumrah began the two-match Test series against South Africa in style, taking 5/27 in yet another magnificent display of bowling at Eden Gardens. The great fast bowler made full use of the uneven bounce on offer, with his wickets coming via a catch behind, two bowleds and two LBWs.

However, Bumrah was also a key talking point for another reason. At the end of the 13th over, India appealed for an LBW against South Africa captain Temba Bavuma. In conversation with Rishabh Pant as to whether to review, the stump mic picked up a remark interpreted as “bauna bhi hai”, sparking widespread reaction online.

What does “Bauna” mean in English? Word becomes topic of conversation during 1st Test India vs South Africa

According to Google’s AI overview, “bauna” is a general term for people with short height. It also means “dwarf”, which had fans disappointed that such a term was used.

“Indian cricketers caught body shaming Temba Bavuma. Happy to abuse until it happens to them, then they cry,” wrote one South Africa fan on X (formerly Twitter).

In the replies, fans were quick to clarify that no malice was intended.

“Body shaming how? He is much shorter than other batsman and thereby Bumrah gave a reason to go for DRS, when others said, it maybe high,” wrote one fan. “Absolute Hindi to English translation, may not convey exactly what and how it was spoken. If they looked him in the eye and called him “Dwarf”, that would have been Body shaming.”

“Bauna means a short person. How is that body shaming?,” wrote another.

After the day’s play, South Africa batting coach Ashwell Prince played down the incident. He said there will be no discussion or issues around what happened.

“No, there will be no discussion. It’s the first time, obviously, it’s come to my attention. I don’t think there’ll be any issues with what’s happened out in the middle,” Prince said, as quoted by NDTV Sports.

India finished day one well on top after bowling the Proteas out for 159. The hosts then finished on 37/1 with KL Rahul (13*) and Washington Sundar (6*) unbeaten.