New Delhi, March 3 (UNI) A political controversy erupted on Monday after Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed made remarks about Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma’s fitness and leadership ahead of India’s crucial Champions Trophy semifinal against Australia
Taking to social media, Shama criticised Rohit’s physical fitness, calling him ‘fat’ and a ‘mediocre captain.’ The now-deleted post also compared Rohit unfavourably with former captains MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Sachin Tendulkar.
Facing backlash from multiple quarters, Shama defended her remarks, stating that they were observations rather than body-shaming. “It was a generic tweet about the fitness of a sportsperson. It was not body-shaming,” she clarified on Monday.
Reacting to the controversy, Congress distanced itself from Shama’s comments. Party leader Pawan Khera stated that she had been asked to delete the post and exercise greater caution in the future. Congress MP Rajani Patil also disapproved of the remarks, asserting that body-shaming anyone, particularly a sportsperson representing the country, was inappropriate.
Meanwhile, the BJP took the opportunity to attack the Congress, with party leader Shehzad Poonawalla mocking the opposition. “Those who have lost 90 elections under Rahul Gandhi’s captaincy are calling Rohit Sharma unimpressive! Winning the T20 World Cup isn’t impressive, but losing elections is?” he remarked.
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya also weighed in, urging political leaders to refrain from commenting on sportspersons’ professional lives. “Such comments undermine the hard work and sacrifices of our athletes,” he posted on social media.
TMC MP Saugata Roy supported Shama’s critique, questioning Rohit’s performance in recent matches.
However, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi defended the Indian captain, stating that his leadership had brought India to great heights despite criticisms about his physique.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia condemned Shama’s remarks, calling it “unfortunate” that such statements were made at a critical juncture in the tournament.
Shama, however, stood by her comments, citing Rohit’s strategic decisions in past tournaments, including the Test series against Australia and the World Cup final in Ahmedabad, which India lost. “I have the right to express my opinion in a democracy,” she asserted.
The controversy comes at a crucial time for Indian cricket, with Rohit set to lead the team in a high-stakes semifinal match against Australia.
