Body-Shaming Controversy Erupts as Politician Targets Rohit Sharma

Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma recently found himself at the center of a political and sporting controversy after Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed made disparaging remarks about his fitness. In a now-deleted post on X, Mohamed labeled Sharma “fat for a sportsperson” and called him “the most unimpressive captain India has ever had.”

The controversy broke out just before India's crucial ICC Champions Trophy semi-final against Australia, igniting a wave of outrage among political figures and cricket fans. The BJP and the BCCI swiftly came to Sharma’s defense. BCCI representative Devajit Saikia condemned the remarks as “regrettable,” emphasizing Sharma’s dedication and fitness, particularly at such a critical moment in the tournament.

In an attempt to clarify, Mohamed insisted her tweet was a casual comment about fitness rather than a personal attack. She questioned why it was being blown out of proportion, arguing that past Indian captains like Virat Kohli, M.S. Dhoni, and Rahul Dravid set high fitness standards. However, amid mounting backlash, the Congress party instructed her to retract her statement, signaling an attempt at damage control rather than constructive dialogue.

The controversy drew a strong response from former cricketer Yograj Singh, father of Yuvraj Singh, who criticized politicians for attacking national athletes. In an ANI interview, he stated that Indian cricketers and national pride matter more to him than anything else, even declaring that if he were prime minister, he would order those making such remarks to leave the country. His passionate remarks resonated with many fans who view cricket as more than just a sport—it’s a symbol of national identity.

BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari seized the opportunity to criticize the Congress party, accusing them of undermining national pride by attempting to dictate the merit of a sports icon. His comments highlighted the increasing politicization of sports in India, where athletes often become targets of partisan debates.

Support for Sharma surged across social media, with fans, fellow cricketers, and even politicians defending him. Many pointed to his leadership, particularly leading India to major victories, including the anticipated 2024 T20 World Cup win, as proof of his capability beyond superficial judgments about his physique. Critics of Mohamed’s remarks argued that fitness discussions should not overshadow a player’s achievements.

Shiv Sena lawmaker Priyanka Chaturvedi echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that while fitness and weight are topics of discussion in professional sports, Indian players have consistently delivered on the global stage. She highlighted that the team’s accomplishments should not be diminished by such debates.

As anticipation builds for India’s semi-final clash against Australia, a rematch of the 2023 World Cup final defeat, the team remains focused on redemption. Despite the controversy surrounding their captain, the players are determined to channel their energy into a strong performance, carrying the hopes of millions of passionate fans eager for victory.