Amid growing controversy over harsh criticism and fat-shaming of Team India captain Rohit Sharma, an old social media post by Congress leader Shama Mohamed targeting Virat Kohli has resurfaced.
In 2018, Shama condemned the then-Indian captain after he responded to a fan’s comment on X. The fan, expressing a preference for English and Australian batters, also called Kohli an "overrated" player. Kohli fired back, telling the fan, "I don't think you should live in India, go and live somewhere else... Get your priorities right."
The Congress leader criticised Kohli for his response, pointing out the contradiction in his actions. "Virat Kohli plays a British-invented game, endorses foreign brands, married in Italy, and admires foreign athletes like Hershelle Gibbs and Angelique Kerber. Yet, he tells those who prefer foreign batters to leave India," she said.
The exchange had created a lot of uproar on social media back then. Meanwhile, fans of the star Indian batter now claims that that the politician seems to have an issue with the 'entire' Indian cricket team.
"He (Mr. Kohli) has contributed so much to the country," commented one user on her post on Monday.
"Looks like it's not just a one-sided attack; she seems to have issues with all of them," remarked another user.
Harbhajan backs Rohit
Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh has defended Team India captain Rohit Sharma after Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed's comments about his fitness sparked controversy and said no one has a right to make such comments.
Harbhajan Singh emphasized Rohit's commitment to the Indian team and there is need to recognize what a player has done for the team rather than making superficial judgments
"Rohit is a player who has served the country. Even today, he is managing the team with a fighting spirit in Dubai. The remarks made about his body and fitness, nobody has the right to say such things about him. If he was not fit, he wouldn't be in the Indian team and he is the captain! To play for India, you have to pass multiple levels of fitness tests, and Rohit has done that--that's why he is part of the team," Harbhajan Singh said.
"The person making such allegations--are you a fitness coach, BCCI president, or someone associated with sports? Do you even understand what fitness parameters are? You're comparing him to past captains, saying they were fitter but do you even know the parameters of fitness? Many people have different health conditions, but that doesn't mean everyone has to look the same. We must recognize what a player has done for the team rather than making superficial judgments about their appearance," he added.
Bharatiya Janata Party leaders earlier condemned Shama Mohamed's remarks. Congress distanced itself from her remarks on Rohit Sharma.
Congress leader Pawan Khera posted on X and said that Shama's remarks do not reflect the party's position.
"Shama Mohammed, National Spokesperson of the Indian National Congress, made certain remarks about a cricketing legend 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 caution in the future," Khera said.
"The Indian National Congress holds the contributions of sporting icons in the highest regard and does not endorse any statements that undermine their legacy," the Congress leader added.
In her now deleted post on X, Shama Mohamed said that Rohit Sharma needs to lose weight. "@ImRo45 is fat for a sportsman! Need to lose weight! And ofcourse the most unimpressive Captain India has ever had!" she said.
She deleted the post following a backlash.
Shama Mohamed told ANI that it was a "generic" tweet about the fitness of a sportsperson.
"It was not body-shaming. I always believed a sports person should be fit, and I felt he was a bit overweight, so I just tweeted about that. I have been attacked for no reason. When I compared him with previous captains, I put in a statement. I have the right. What is wrong in saying that? It is a democracy," she said. (With inputs from Agencies)
Published: 04 Mar 2025, 02:50 pm IST
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