ICC Champions Trophy 2025: There has been a lot of anger over Congress leader Shama Mohamed’s comment about India captain Rohit Sharma’s weight. In a post on X, Shama Mohamed said that Rohit needed to lose weight because he is “fat for a sportsman.” She also called him “the most unimpressive Captain India has ever had.” The post has since been deleted after receiving widespread criticism.
Shama Mohamed’s Controversial Comments on Rohit Sharma Spark Outrage
However, Sunil Gavaskar believed that cricket is more about mental strength, and a player’s physical appearance doesn’t matter. He also suggested that if fitness was the main factor for selection, then models should be chosen for the team instead.
“I have always said, if you want only slim guys, then you should go to a modelling competition and pick all the models. It’s not about that,” Gavaskar told India Today.
“It’s about how well you can play cricket. We talked about Sarfaraz Khan-he was vilified for a long time because he was on the heavier side. But if he scores 150 for India in a Test match and follows it up with another two or three fifty-plus scores, then what’s the issue? I don’t think size has anything to do with it. It’s your mental strength-whether you can last the distance-that’s the most important thing. Bat well, bat for long, and score runs,” he added.
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Congress Leader’s Remarks on Rohit Sharma Draw Criticism from All Sides
The controversy started on Monday when Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed’s social media posts fat-shaming Rohit Sharma led to widespread backlash, upsetting millions of cricket fans. Her comments were also criticized by many, including her own party and Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, who called them “deeply shameful.”
In another post, Shama compared Rohit to other India captains, calling him a “mediocre” leader.
“What is so world-class about him when compared to his predecessors? He is a mediocre captain as well as a mediocre player who got lucky to be the captain of India,” she had said.
With India set to play Australia in a crucial Champions Trophy semi-final on Tuesday, Shama’s comments also sparked criticism from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Even Shama’s own party, Congress, has distanced itself from her.
“The Indian National Congress holds the contributions of sporting icons in the highest regard and does not endorse any statements that undermine their legacy,” said Congress’ media and publicity department head Pawan Khera.
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