New Delhi: The widespread outrage against Congress leader Shama Mohammed over her ‘fat’ remark on Indian captain Rohit Sharma has sparked a major controversy. Now, another legendary batter, Sunil Gavaskar has come forward in support of Rohit Sharma, sharing his views on the body-shaming debate.
Shama Mohammed posted a tweet on X, stating that Rohit needs to lose weight as he is “fat for a sportsman” and calling him “the most unimpressive captain India has ever had.” However, following massive public backlash, she was forced to delete the post.
Gavaskar also emphasized that Cricket is primarily a game of meatal strength and the physical bearing has nothing to do with their performance. He further said that ‘if fitness were the only criteria to play cricket, then model 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 criticized for a long time because of his weight. But if he scores 150 for India in a Test match and follows it up with two or three more fifty-plus scores, then what’s the issue? I don’t think size has anything to do with performance. It’s all about mental strength—whether you can endure the challenge—that’s the most important factor. Bat well, stay at the crease for long, and score runs,” he added.
In another post, Shama Mohammed compared Rohit Sharma to former Indian captains, labeling 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 remarked.
With India gearing up to face Australia in a crucial Champions Trophy semi-final on Tuesday, her comments sparked backlash, including criticism from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Even her own party, Congress, distanced itself from her remarks.
“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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