Rohit Sharma’s childhood coach Dinesh Lad has slammed Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed’s comment on the Indian captain ‘damages the image of the country’.
Earlier during the Champions Trophy 2025 clash between India and New Zealand in Dubai on Sunday, Shama took X to call the Indian skipper ‘fat’.
“Rohit Sharma is fat for a sportsman! Need to lose weight! And of course, the most unimpressive Captain India has ever had,” said Shama.
Rohit Sharma‘s comments on Rohit triggered strong critics which led the congress party to direct Shama to delete her social media post.
“A cricketer who is doing so well for the nation, under whom the team is playing very well. Such comments against that player are not at all good. By this, you are also damaging the country’s image. This is shameful,” said Dinesh Lad.
In the ongoing tournament, Rohit has scored 76 runs in three innings, while his teammates Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer have achieved half-centuries.
India secured a 44-run victory against New Zealand, with Varun Chakravarthy claiming five wickets.
Earlier BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia and vice-captain Rajeev Shukla defended the Indian captain after a Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed fat-shamed Rohit Sharma.
“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 said. “These comments shouldn’t be passed.”
Meanwhile, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla also defended Rohit Sharma, emphasising the he is among one of the fittest cricketers.
“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.
India will face Australia in the first semi-final in Dubai on Tuesday. New Zealand will compete against South Africa in the second semi-final in Lahore on Wednesday.
