Team India skipper captain Rohit Sharma became the subject of a political controversy after Congress spokesperson Dr. Shama Mohamed called him “overweight” and “the most unimpressive captain India has ever had.”
The former journalist and TV news anchor made comments after Rohit scored just 15 runs off 17 balls in India’s Champions Trophy match against New Zealand, which India won by 44 runs.
Shama took to social media and wrote: “Rohit Sharma is fat for a sportsman! Need to lose weight! And of course the most unimpressive Captain India has ever had!”
While replying to one of the X user she further wrote,” What is so world class about him when compared to his predecessors like Ganguly, Tendulkar, Dravid, Dhoni, Kohli , Kapil dev, Shastri & the rest! He is a mediocre captain as well as a mediocre player who got lucky to be the Captain of India.”
The comments did not go down well with former Congress leader Radhika Khera who is currently part of BJP. Taking to social media she slammed her former party and accused Congress of disrespecting athletes.
She wrote “This is the same Congress that humiliated athletes for decades, denied them recognition, and now dares to mock a cricketing legend? The party that thrives on nepotism is lecturing a self-made champion?”
While taking a dig at Rahul Gandhi, Khera added, “Rohit Sharma led India to a World Cup victory, while Rahul Gandhi can’t even lead his own party without sinking it into chaos!”
Congress spokesperson body-shaming @ImRo45 – The sheer audacity!
This is the same Congress that humiliated athletes for decades, denied them recognition, and now dares to mock a cricketing legend? The party that thrives on nepotism is lecturing a self-made champion?
Rohit… pic.twitter.com/mbreaKLT3a
— Radhika Khera (@Radhika_Khera) March 2, 2025
Noted journalist, Rajdeep Sardesai also countered Mohamed’s criticism by claiming that Rohit has won multiple IPL titles as a captain and leads the best white-ball team in the world.
Most ‘unimpressive’ captain India has ever had @drshamamohd ? Really ma’am, where did that completely bizarre remark come from? I have played a little cricket and can tell you purely as a long time observer that @ImRo45 makes some first class decisions that shows he has a SUPERB… https://t.co/guuLYR8U52
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) March 3, 2025
Mohamed countered Sardesai’s statement by stating that Rohit’s decision to open in the MCG Test against Australia in December “backfired totally” and India also lost the 2023 World Cup final under his leadership.
Can Rohit Sharma silence the critics by winning Champions Trophy?
Rohit Sharma will be aiming to silence critics with his performance in the upcoming Champions Trophy semifinal against Australia. The Men in Blue who remained unbeaten during the group stage so far and are aiming to send Australia packing.
This contest will be a grudge match for India after Australia broke their hearts at home by lifting the 2023 World Cup trophy. After winning the T20 World Cup, Rohit would want to win back-to-back ICC trophies and for that he has to guide his team past two matches.