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Harbhajan Singh criticized the ‘fat-shaming’ of Indian captain Rohit Sharma, sparked by politician Shama Mohamed’s post. Venkatesh Prasad and Yograj Singh also defended Rohit.
Harbhajan Singh (PC: X), Rohit Sharma (R, PTI)
Harbhajan Singh has joined the list of former cricketers and stakeholders in criticising the ‘fat-shaming’ controversy around Indian men’s captain Rohit Sharma which has gripped the headlines since Monday morning. The former India spinner said it ‘hurts’ when people who don’t have any knowledge about the sport give ‘sermons’, especially when it’s on an ‘exceptional leader’ like Rohit.
The saga started when politician Shama Mohamed blatantly labeled Rohit as ‘fat’ in a social media post on X (formerly Twitter) during India’s Champions Trophy 2025 final Group A match against New Zealand in Dubai on Sunday. She was heavily criticized for the post and later deleted it.
“The controversy on fitness of @ImRo45 (Rohit Sharma’s X account) was unfortunate and uncalled for,” Singh said He is an outstanding player and an exceptional leader who has made immense contributions to Indian cricket. Sportspersons are also human beings with emotion and sentiment. It indeed hurts when persons who have zero knowledge of the game give sermons. Respect the game and respct the players.”
Shama’s deleted post read: “Rohit Sharma is fat for a sportsman! Need to lose weight! And of course, the most unimpressive Captain India has ever had.”
Earlier in the day, another former cricketer and coach, Venkatesh Prasad, had also criticised the comment, saying that Rohit deserved more respect for his achievements for the country.
“Rohit has maintained great dignity as a captain , led us to a T-20 WC win 8 months back and in the middle of an ICC tournament, body-shaming him is absolutely pathetic and uncalled for. Should have some respect for a person who has achieved through his skills and leadership for so many years.”
Former India cricketer, Yograj Singh, was even more critical.
“I only want to say one thing, jisaka kaam usee ko saaje aur kare to danda baaje (the work only suits those to whom it belongs; if done by anyone else, it is ruined). Indian cricketers, people and the land are more dear to me than my own life. If someone in the political system makes such a statement about a player who has brought pride to our nation, that person should be ashamed,” he told ANI.
“They have no right to stay in our nation. Cricket is our religion; we lost against New Zealand and Australia, and a lot of things were said about Rohit and Virat. We stood up for them. I feel so sad. These things happen in Pakistan. Their former star player said, ‘Who will eat so many bananas?’ (Taking a jibe at Wasim Akram). Action should be taken. This should not be tolerated. If I were the prime minister, I would have said, Pack your bags and leave the country,” he added.
