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In a recent controversy, Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma was subjected to body shaming by Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed. The comments, which were posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), sparked widespread outrage and drew a strong response from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Background of the incident
Mohamed’s now-deleted post described Rohit as “fat for a sportsman” and labeled him the “most unimpressive captain India has ever had.” The comments were made during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where India are competing and have qualified for the semifinals. Rohit, known for his exceptional cricketing skills and leadership, has been instrumental in India’s success in the tournament.
BCCI’s response
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia condemned Mohamed’s remarks, calling them “very unfortunate.” Saikia emphasized that such comments are not only derogatory but can also have a demoralizing effect on players, especially during crucial tournaments like the Champions Trophy. He expressed concern that these statements might impact the team’s morale and performance.
“Very unfortunate for a responsible person to pass such a trivial comment when the team is in the middle of such a crucial ICC tournament. It may have demoralizing effect on an individual or the team. All the players are performing to their highest potential and results are visible. I hope individuals will desist from making such derogatory statements for personal publicity sake,” Saikia was quoted as saying to NDTV.
Also READ: Rohit Sharma spills beans on ‘unfair advantage to India’ debate in Champions Trophy 2025
Reaction from political circles
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticized the Congress party over Mohamed’s comments, drawing parallels with their electoral performance under Rahul Gandhi’s leadership. The BJP pointed out that while Rohit has led India to significant victories, the Congress has faced electoral setbacks.
“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 Sharma is a World Cup-winning captain. Your leader, @RahulGandhi can’t even captain his own party without crashing it into the ground,” wrote BJP politician Radhika Khera on X.
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
