The Congress party moved to distance itself from spokesperson Shama Mohamed’s remarks about Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma, stating on Monday that it “does not endorse any statements” that diminish the legacy of sporting icons.
Shama Mohamed sparked controversy after calling Sharma “fat for a sportsman” and labeling his captaincy as “the most unimpressive” in India’s history. Following backlash from cricket fans and BJP leaders, she deleted the post from X.
Congress senior leader Pawan Khera clarified the party’s stance, stating, “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. She has been asked to delete the concerned social media posts from X and has been advised to exercise greater caution in the future. The Indian National Congress holds the contributions of sporting icons in the highest regard and does not endorse any statements that undermine their legacy.”
Dr. 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…
— Pawan Khera ???????? (@Pawankhera) March 3, 2025
The controversy escalated when Mohamed, in response to a user calling Rohit Sharma a “world-class player,” questioned how his legacy compares to Indian cricket legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Kapil Dev. “What is so world-class about him when compared to his predecessors? He is a mediocre captain as well as a mediocre player who got lucky to be the captain of India,” she wrote.
The BJP swiftly condemned Mohamed’s remarks, accusing the Congress of “body-shaming” and disrespecting a World Cup-winning captain. BJP leader Radhika Khera lashed out, saying, “This is the same Congress that humiliated athletes for decades, denied them recognition, and now dares to mock a cricketing legend? The party that thrives on nepotism is lecturing a self-made champion?”
Another BJP leader, Shehzad Poonawalla, criticized the comments, claiming they reflected Congress’ broader attitude towards India’s achievements. “This statement reflects the mindset of Congress towards any achievements of Bharat,” he said.
Amid the uproar, Mohamed defended her remarks, insisting that her comment was a general observation about Sharma’s fitness rather than “body-shaming.”
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