Trinamool Congress (TMC) Member of Parliament Saugata Roy has openly criticized Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma, aligning with earlier remarks made by Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed. Roy expressed his agreement with Mohamed’s assessment of Sharma’s fitness and performance, stating that the cricketer “shouldn’t even be in the team.”
The controversy began when Shama Mohamed posted on social media, criticizing Sharma’s physical condition and leadership qualities. She wrote, “@ImRo45 is fat for a sportsman! Need to lose weight! She later deleted the post following backlash, stating, “And of course, the most unimpressive captain India has ever had!” Mohamed defended her comments, stating they were observations on sports fitness and not intended as body-shaming.
The Congress party distanced itself from Mohamed’s remarks. Pawan Khera, head of the party’s media and publicity department, stated that her comments did not reflect the party’s position. He added that Mohamed had been asked to delete the post and advised to exercise greater caution in the future. Khera emphasized that the Congress holds sporting icons in high regard and does not endorse statements undermining their legacy.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also condemned the remarks. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia expressed concern that such comments could demoralize the team during a crucial tournament. He stated, “These derogatory, demoralizing comments are being made at a crucial stage of a global tournament, which is very unfortunate.”
Rohit Sharma, who will turn 38 next month, has had a distinguished career in international cricket. He recently led India to a World Cup victory in the Twenty20 format and subsequently retired from T20 internationals. Despite his achievements, Sharma has faced criticism regarding his fitness and consistency. However, many fans and officials continue to support him, recognizing his contributions to Indian cricket.
This incident highlights the intense scrutiny public figures, especially athletes, face regarding their performance and physical condition. While constructive criticism is essential for growth, it’s crucial to balance it with respect for individual achievements and acknowledgment of the pressures inherent in professional sports.
As the Indian cricket team competes in the ongoing Champions Trophy, the focus remains on their performance. Support from fans and officials plays a vital role in boosting the team’s morale during such significant tournaments.
