Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed faced backlash after criticizing Team India captain Rohit Sharma, calling him “fat” and a mediocre player. In response, she highlighted a 2021 tweet by BJP MP Kangana Ranaut that similarly criticized Sharma amid the farmers’ protest, questioning Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya’s stance on her remarks. Mandaviya condemned Mohamed’s comments as shameful, urging political leaders to refrain from targeting athletes. The Congress party distanced itself from her remarks, requesting their deletion, while some, like TMC MP Sougata Ray, supported her viewpoint on Sharma’s performance. Rohit Sharma, captain since 2023, has had notable successes with the team.
New Delhi:
Refusing to back down after her comments on Team India captain Rohit Sharma ignited a significant controversy, Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed has resurfaced a 2021 tweet by actress Kangana Ranaut—now a BJP MP—in which she criticized the star cricketer.
In a tweet directed at Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, who had condemned her remarks, Ms. Mohamed inquired about his thoughts on Kangana Ranaut’s tweet. In her 2021 post, the actress lashed out at Rohit Sharma regarding his comments during the peak of the 2020-21 farmers’ protest against three now-repealed laws.
What does @mansukhmandviya have to say to @KanganaTeam ! #JustAsking pic.twitter.com/YwM85HP6sV
— Dr. Shama Mohamed (@drshamamohd) March 3, 2025
Using an offensive term for Rohit Sharma, Ms. Ranaut remarked, “Why are all these cricketers sounding like dhobi ka kutta, neither here nor there? Why would farmers oppose laws that are revolutionary for their well-being? These are terrorists creating chaos… say that na itna darr lagta hai?” She later deleted the tweet.
Both Congress and TMC should allow sportspersons their space, as they are entirely capable of managing their professional lives.
Comments from leaders of these parties, which involve body shaming and questioning an athlete’s role on the team, are not only incredibly shameful but also plain…
— Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) March 3, 2025
This response from the Congress spokesperson followed Mr. Mandaviya’s statement that the Opposition party “should leave sportspersons alone as they are fully capable of handling their professional lives.”
“Comments made by leaders from these parties, engaging in body shaming and questioning an athlete’s value in the team, are not only disgraceful but downright pathetic. Such remarks undermine the tireless effort and sacrifices that our sportspersons make to represent the nation on the international stage,” the minister expressed.
Shama Mohamed garnered attention after her harsh critique and fat-shaming of Rohit Sharma, known as Hitman due to his batting skills.
In a post on X during the India vs New Zealand Champions Trophy match yesterday, Ms. Mohamed commented 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.
When a Pakistan-based sports journalist countered her remarks, asserting that Mr. Sharma is a “mighty effective and world-class performer,” she retorted, “What is so world-class about him 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.”
Later, in clarification, Ms. Mohamed compared Rohit Sharma with former captain Virat Kohli, noting that Kohli always praises other cricketers. “I was just speaking generally. I don’t understand how in a democracy, we can’t express our opinions,” she stated.
The remarks spurred a wave of backlash, with the ruling BJP challenging the Opposition party’s criticisms. “Shame on Congress! Now they are targeting the Indian Cricket Captain! Do they expect Rahul Gandhi to play cricket after failing in Indian politics?” BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari questioned.
The Indian cricket board called the remarks “unfortunate”. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia remarked that such comments during an ICC event could adversely affect a cricketer’s morale.
“It is very unfortunate for a responsible person to make such trivial remarks when the team is in the midst of a crucial ICC tournament. It may demoralize an individual or the team. All players are performing at their peak, and the results speak for themselves. I hope individuals refrain from making such derogatory statements for the sake of personal publicity,” BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia told NDTV in an exclusive interview.
The Congress party distanced itself from the comments, stating they do not reflect the party’s stance. Pawan Khera, head of the party’s publicity department, mentioned she was instructed to delete the social media posts. “Dr. Shama Mohamed, National Spokesperson of the Indian National Congress, made certain remarks about a cricketing legend that do not align with the party’s position. She has been asked to delete the relevant social media posts from X and advised to exercise greater caution in the future. The Indian National Congress greatly values the contributions of sporting icons and does not endorse statements that undermine their legacy,” Khera tweeted.
However, Ms. Mohamed’s comments received unexpected support from a Trinamool Congress MP, Sougata Ray, who stated that she hadn’t said anything incorrect.
Speaking to news agency IANS, Mr. Ray mentioned, “I’ve heard that Rohit Sharma’s performance has been quite poor. He scored one century, but apart from that, he often gets out after scoring 2, 3, 4, or 5 runs. He shouldn’t be on the team. India wins because the other players perform well, but the captain isn’t contributing.” The veteran leader added, “What Shama Mohamed has said is correct.”
Thirty-seven-year-old Rohit Sharma assumed the role of Team India captain in 2023. Under his leadership, India clinched the T20 World Cup last year and two Asia Cup trophies prior. He also boasts an impressive record in the IPL, having led the Mumbai Indians to five IPL titles. Rohit Sharma is preparing for a significant match as India faces Australia in the first semi-final of the Champions Trophy today.