Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed faced backlash on social media after criticizing Team India captain Rohit Sharma, labeling him “fat” and a “mediocre” leader. Her comments drew a defensive response highlighting Sharma’s successful record, including victories in the T20 World Cup and Asia Cups under his captaincy. Following the controversy, the Congress party distanced itself from Mohamed’s remarks, emphasizing respect for sports icons and ordering her to delete the posts. The BJP seized the opportunity to critique Congress, questioning their patriotism and mocking Rahul Gandhi’s political failures. Mohamed later defended her comments, insisting on her right to express opinions.
New Delhi:
Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed’s severe criticism and body-shaming of Team India captain Rohit Sharma have sparked significant backlash on social media. Users in the comments section of her post on X referenced statistics showcasing India’s performance under Mr. Sharma’s leadership, who is often dubbed Hitman for his batting skills, to rebut Ms. Mohamed’s comments.
As the controversy escalated into a major debate, with the BJP questioning Congress’s commitment to the nation, Ms. Mohamed opted to delete all her posts.
The Congress party has distanced itself from her comments, stating they do not represent the party’s views. Pawan Khera, head of the party’s publicity department, mentioned that she had been instructed to remove her posts. “Dr. Shama Mohammed, National Spokesperson of the Indian National Congress, made remarks about a cricketing icon that do not align with the party’s stance. She has been directed to delete her posts from X and advised to be more cautious moving forward. The Indian National Congress holds the contributions of sports icons in the utmost respect and does not condone any statements that detract from their legacy,” Mr. Khera stated.
Dr. Shama Mohammed, National Spokesperson of the Indian National Congress, made remarks about a cricketing icon that do not reflect the party’s position.
She has been asked to delete the concerned social media posts from X and has been advised to exercise greater…
— Pawan Khera 🇮🇳 (@Pawankhera) March 3, 2025
In a post on X during the India vs New Zealand Champions Trophy match yesterday, Ms. Mohamed remarked that Rohit Sharma “is fat for a sportsman.” “He needs to lose weight! And of course, he is the most unimpressive Captain India has ever had,” she added.
– @ImRo45 is fat for a sportsman! Need to lose weight! And of course, the most unimpressive Captain India has ever had!
— Dr. Shama Mohamed (@drshamamohd) March 2, 2025
When a sports journalist from Pakistan challenged the Congress leader’s comments, stating that Mr. Sharma is a “mighty effective and world-class performer,” she retorted, “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 and player who got lucky to be the Captain of India.”
The statement also provoked a strong response from the ruling BJP, which questioned whether the Congress now expects Rahul Gandhi to take up cricket. “Shame on Congress! Now they are attacking the Indian Cricket Captain! Do they believe Rahul Gandhi should now play cricket after failing in Indian politics?” BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari tweeted in response to Ms. Mohamed’s post. In a talk with NDTV, Mr. Bhandari stated that the Congress spokesperson’s comments reflect the party’s Emergency mindset. “It’s an insult to every patriot who supports the Indian cricket team through thick and thin. I challenge the Congress’s criticism,” he remarked.
Shame on Congress!
Now they are going after the Indian Cricket Captain!
Do they expect Rahul Gandhi to now play cricket after failing in Indian politics! https://t.co/taWuC8bqgi
— Pradeep Bhandari(प्रदीप भंडारी)🇮🇳 (@pradip103) March 2, 2025
In a follow-up, Ms. Mohamed compared Rohit Sharma with former captain Virat Kohli, noting that the latter consistently praises his fellow players. “I spoke in a very general manner. I fail to comprehend how, in a democracy, we cannot express our opinions,” she stated.
Thirty-seven-year-old Rohit Sharma became the captain of Team India in 2023. Under his leadership, India claimed the T20 World Cup last year along with two Asia Cup titles previously. He also boasts an impressive IPL record, having led Mumbai Indians to five IPL championships.