Shama Mohamed Reacts After Facing Backlash Over Her Body Shaming Comment On Rohit Sharma

Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma has long been a subject of admiration for his leadership and batting prowess. However, he recently found himself at the center of an unexpected controversy after Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed made remarks about his physique and captaincy.

Her now-deleted X (formerly Twitter) post, in which she called Rohit “fat” and the “most unimpressive captain India has ever had,” ignited a social media storm, drawing criticism from cricketing legends, fans, and political figures alike. While Shama has attempted to clarify her stance, her response has only fueled further debate, raising questions about body shaming in sports, fitness standards, and the nature of public criticism.

The Controversial Comment That Started It All

The controversy erupted on March 3, 2025, when Shama Mohamed took to X to question Rohit Sharma’s fitness and leadership abilities. The post—though quickly deleted—made waves across social media, particularly because of its direct attack on the Indian captain’s physique.

What Did Shama Mohamed Say?

In her original tweet, Shama criticized Rohit Sharma’s weight and fitness, implying that he did not meet the physical standards expected of a professional athlete. Her post read:

“Rohit Sharma is too fat for a sportsman. He is the most unimpressive captain India has ever had.”

This remark struck a nerve with cricket fans, many of whom see Rohit as a proven leader who guided India to major victories, including the 2024 T20 World Cup triumph.

Within hours, the backlash was overwhelming. Fans flooded social media in defense of Rohit, while prominent figures from the cricketing world, including Sunil Gavaskar and Harbhajan Singh, voiced their support for the Indian skipper.

But despite deleting the tweet, Shama Mohamed did not back down. Instead, she attempted to justify her remarks, arguing that they were about sports fitness rather than personal attacks.

The Backlash: Fans and Cricketing Legends Rally Behind Rohit Sharma

As soon as Shama Mohamed’s tweet gained traction, cricket lovers across India came out in support of Rohit Sharma, slamming the Congress spokesperson for her unfiltered criticism.

Cricket Fans’ Outrage on Social Media

Hashtags like #IStandWithRohit and #ShameOnShama started trending on X, with users condemning the remarks as “disrespectful” and “uncalled for”.

“Body shaming a player who has won India a World Cup? This is unacceptable!” – A fan tweeted.
“Judge players on their performance, not their weight!” – Another fan argued.
“Rohit is leading India in the Champions Trophy 2025, not a modeling contest.” – A cricket enthusiast wrote.

Sunil Gavaskar Slams Shama’s Remarks

Former Indian captain and batting legend Sunil Gavaskar was one of the first to rebuke Shama Mohamed’s remarks, calling them irrelevant and unnecessary.

“If you want slim guys, go to a modeling competition. Cricket is about skill, mental toughness, and performance, not six-pack abs.”

Gavaskar also pointed to Rohit’s contributions to Indian cricket, especially his leadership in the T20 World Cup 2024 and the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025.

He further cited Sarfaraz Khan, a domestic cricket sensation who has faced similar body-shaming despite delivering exceptional performances.

“If a player is scoring runs and winning matches, why should his weight matter?”

Harbhajan Singh Joins the Criticism

Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh also came forward in support of Rohit, calling the controversy “unnecessary.”

“Fitness is important, but cricket is not bodybuilding. Skill, temperament, and leadership are what make a great cricketer.”

Harbhajan’s words resonated with many, reinforcing the belief that performance should be the ultimate measure of a player’s worth.

Shama Mohamed’s Justification: Criticism or Body Shaming?

Following the intense backlash, Shama Mohamed responded in an interview with ANI, refusing to apologize for her remarks. Instead, she stood her ground, defending her right to critique an athlete’s fitness.

Shama’s Explanation

“It was just a generic tweet about the fitness of a sportsperson. It is not body shaming. I always believe a sportsperson has to be fit.”

She further compared Rohit Sharma to previous Indian captains MS Dhoni, Sourav Ganguly, and Virat Kohli, all of whom were known for their fitness standards.

“When I compared him with previous captains, I put in a statement. I have the right. What is wrong in saying that?”

Rather than calming the controversy, Shama’s explanation only made things worse. Her refusal to acknowledge the issue of body shaming in sports fueled more criticism, with many arguing that fitness and performance are not the same thing.

The Bigger Debate: Fitness, Performance & Body Image in Cricket

Is Fitness Essential for Cricketers?

There’s no denying that fitness plays an important role in modern cricket. Players are expected to maintain peak physical condition to endure long matches and demanding schedules.

However, the idea that a player’s physique determines their ability to perform is widely disputed. Some of the greatest cricketers in history, including:

Inzamam-ul-Haq
Arjuna Ranatunga
Virender Sehwag
Rohit Sharma himself

…were never considered the fittest players but still delivered extraordinary performances.

Mental Strength & Skill Matter More Than Physical Appearance

Former cricketers and experts have often emphasized that cricket is more about mental toughness and skill than sheer fitness.

Sunil Gavaskar’s remarks highlighted this point perfectly:

“If you can score 150 in a Test match, your weight doesn’t matter.”

Rohit Sharma: A Captain with Proven Leadership

Despite criticism, Rohit Sharma’s record as captain speaks for itself.

Led India to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup
Has won multiple IPL trophies with Mumbai Indians
India’s top scorer in several key tournaments

With India preparing for a crucial semi-final against Australia in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Rohit remains one of the team’s biggest assets.

Final Thoughts: Fair Criticism or Unfair Body Shaming?

Shama Mohamed’s remarks have sparked a much-needed discussion on the thin line between constructive criticism and body shaming in sports.

While fitness is undoubtedly important, it should never overshadow talent, experience, and leadership qualities—all of which Rohit Sharma possesses in abundance.

Her refusal to apologize has only strengthened the belief that this was not just a fitness-related remark but a direct attack on Rohit’s appearance—something that has no place in sports.

As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: Rohit Sharma’s success will always be defined by his on-field performances, not his weight.

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