Congress Distances Itself From Shama Mohamed’s Controversial Remarks On Rohit Sharma

Mumbai, 3rd March 2025: The Indian National Congress has distanced itself from the controversial remarks made by its national spokesperson, Dr. Shama Mohamed, regarding Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma. The party has asked Mohamed to delete her social media posts and exercise greater caution in the future, following a backlash over her comments about Sharma’s fitness and captaincy.

Mohamed sparked controversy when she posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that “Rohit Sharma is fat for a sportsman! Needs to lose weight! And of course, the most unimpressive captain India has ever had!” The comments came after Sharma was dismissed for 15 runs off 17 balls during India’s Champions Trophy match against New Zealand, despite the team’s eventual victory by 44 runs.

The remarks drew sharp criticism from various quarters, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and cricket fans across the country. In response to the growing controversy, Congress Media Department chairperson Pawan Khera issued a statement distancing the party from Mohamed’s views.

“Dr. Shama Mohamed, National Spokesperson of the Indian National Congress, made certain remarks about a cricketing legend that do not reflect the party’s position,” Khera stated. He added that Mohamed had been asked to delete the concerned social media posts and advised to exercise greater caution in the future.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also responded to the controversy. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia expressed disappointment over Mohamed’s remarks, describing them as baseless and derogatory. “When the team is playing in the Champions Trophy and doing well, this is the time when one needs to support Team India,” Saikia said in an exclusive interaction with India Today.

BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla defended Rohit Sharma, emphasizing that he is among the fittest cricketers in the team. Shukla clarified that Mohamed’s remarks were made in a personal capacity and do not reflect the stance of the Congress party.

Despite the backlash, Mohamed initially defended her comments, stating that they were observations about the fitness of a sportsperson rather than body-shaming. “I have the right. What is wrong in saying this? It is a democracy,” she said. However, following the Congress party’s intervention, she has been asked to remove the controversial posts.

The incident has sparked a broader debate about the appropriateness of public figures commenting on athletes’ physical appearance and performance, especially during crucial tournaments. As the Indian cricket team continues its campaign in the Champions Trophy 2025, the focus now returns to their on-field performance rather than off-field controversies.