The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has strongly condemned the controversial remarks made by Congress National Spokesperson Shama Mohamed about Indian men’s team captain Rohit Sharma. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, in an exclusive conversation with India Today, criticized the comments as “baseless and derogatory,” urging support for the team as they compete in the Champions Trophy 2025.
Shama Mohamed sparked controversy after India’s Champions Trophy match in Dubai, where she called Rohit Sharma “fat for a sportsperson” and the “most unimpressive” captain in India’s history. The post drew significant backlash, prompting her to delete it under pressure from party leadership.
“These comments are 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 stated.
BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla also came to Rohit’s defense, emphasizing his fitness and leadership qualities. Speaking to India Today, Shukla clarified that Shama Mohamed’s remarks were personal opinions and did not reflect the stance of the Congress party.
“It is her personal views and tweets. The party has nothing to do with it. Rohit is fit and doing well. Our team is doing well under his leadership. He is a great player,” Shukla said.
Despite occasional criticism about his physique, Rohit Sharma has consistently met fitness benchmarks. Strength and conditioning coach Ankit Kaliyar previously highlighted his physical condition, asserting that Rohit comfortably clears the Yo-Yo test and is on par with Virat Kohli in terms of fitness.
“Rohit Sharma is a fit player. He has good fitness. He looks a bit bulky, but he always passes the Yo-Yo test. He is as fit as Virat Kohli. He looks like he is bulky, but we have seen him on the field. His agility and mobility are amazing. He is among the fittest cricketers,” Kaliyar told The Times of India in 2023.
Rohit Sharma’s on-field achievements further reinforce his credentials. With over 11,000 ODI runs and more than 8,000 runs across Tests and T20Is, he has established himself as one of India’s premier cricketers. He was a key member of India’s T20 World Cup-winning squad in 2007 under MS Dhoni and played a pivotal role in the 2013 Champions Trophy triumph. Most recently, in 2024, he joined an elite group of Indian captains—Kapil Dev and MS Dhoni—by leading India to a T20 World Cup victory against South Africa in Barbados.
As India progresses through the Champions Trophy, the BCCI has reiterated its unwavering support for Rohit Sharma, dismissing unwarranted criticism and highlighting his contributions to Indian cricket.
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