Former Indian cricketer Gavaskar
Credit: Reuters File Photo
As India prepares to play the crucial Champions Trophy semifinal against Australia in Dubai on Tuesday, a major controversy erupted back home after Congress National Spokesperson Shama Mohamed referred to Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma as "fat for a sportsperson."
Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar joined the debate, strongly criticising Mohamed's remarks.
Speaking to India Today, Gavaskar said that sports fitness is not solely about having a slim physique.
"I have always said, if you want only slim guys, then you should go to a modelling competition and pick all the models. It’s not about that. It’s about how well you can play cricket. We talked about Sarfaraz Khan—he was vilified for a long time because he was on the heavier side. But if he scores 150 for India in a Test match and follows it up with another two or three fifty-plus scores, then what’s the issue?" Gavaskar said.
He stressed that mental strength plays a key role in physical fitness.
"I don’t think size has anything to do with it. It’s your mental strength—whether you can last the distance—that’s the most important thing. Bat well, bat for long, and score runs," he added, reiterating his belief that physical fitness and match fitness can be two distinct concepts in a sport as unique as cricket.
The controversy began on Monday when Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed’s social media posts fat-shaming Rohit Sharma sparked widespread backlash, angering millions of cricket fans. The remarks also drew criticism from various quarters, including her own party and Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, who called the comments "deeply shameful."
BJP leaders quickly attacked Mohamed and the Congress party, with BJP social media head Amit Malviya accusing her of trying to "undermine the team's morale at a crucial time."
In response, the Congress distanced itself from Mohamed’s comments, clarifying that her views do not represent the party's stance and urging her to exercise more caution in the future.
India will face Australia in the first semifinal on Tuesday.