Social Media Clash Over Rohit Sharma’s Leadership Ahead Of Champions Trophy Semifinal

Bhubaneswar: Team India captain Rohit Sharma faced political controversy after Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed called him ‘overweight’ and ‘most unimpressive captain.’ Her remarks followed his 15-run performance in India’s 44-run win over New Zealand in the Champions Trophy.

Shama Mohamed criticised Rohit Sharma during India’s match against New Zealand in the 2025 Champions Trophy on Sunday. In a social media post later deleted, she questioned Rohit’s fitness and called him the ‘most unimpressive’ Indian captain ever.

Shama Mohamed posted on X, saying, “@ImRo45 is fat for a sportsman! Need to lose weight! And, of course, the most unimpressive Captain India has ever had!” She later deleted the post after the controversy started.

While Rohit and Team India have not yet responded to her comments, BJP spokesperson Radhika Khera quickly accused Mohamed of body-shaming.

She also started criticising Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s political record.

Radhika Khera responded on X, 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?”

“Rohit Sharma is a World Cup-winning captain. Your leader, @RahulGandhi can’t even captain his own party without crashing it into the ground!” she added.

“Mr. @Jairam_Ramesh instead of your team spewing cheap insults at a man who has brought glory to India, you & ur spokespersons should focus on the real ‘weight’ your party is shedding—relevance, credibility, and elections!

“Congress should worry about its sinking dynast before taking cheap shots at India’s pride!”
Meanwhile, Rajdeep Sardesai also defended Rohit Sharma, highlighting that he has won multiple IPL titles as a captain and currently leads the best white-ball team in the world.

Rajdeep wrote on X, “@ImRo45 makes some first-class decisions that show he has a SUPERB cricket brain. He has won multiple IPL titles as captain and has led a white ball team that’s the best in the world. IMHO, Rohit Sharma has been a wonderful captain for Team India, someone who leads from the front and plays a fearless brand of cricket in white ball games.”

Mohamed responded by criticising Rohit’s decision to open in the MCG Test against Australia in December, saying it “backfired totally.” She also pointed out that India lost the 2023 World Cup final under his captaincy. This post has now been deleted as well.

Rohit Sharma aims to silence critics in the Champions Trophy semifinal against Australia. Team India, unbeaten in the group stage, looks to eliminate Australia. India will face Australia in the Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final in Dubai on Tuesday.